HCC observes breaches to float permits

Candidates and political parties contesting the 2024 joint election in Solomon Islands took to the street of Honiara today to stage their final campaign through float parade ahead of the 24 hours campaign blackout starting at 12am tonight.

While it seems like a normal election float campaign, more of these floats go to the extent that lives are endangered due to overloading of vehicles and slowing down the flow of traffic in the capital.

All of these are not permitted including the use of loud music and that the number of vehicles to be used in a float should be limited to 20.

The Honiara City Council (HCC), one of the authorities responsible for issuing float permits have observed more than what is expected from these floats that involve non compliance to float permits.

HCC Clerk Justus Denni said most of the permits issued for the parades have been breached due to non compliance.

Mr Denni said most of the permits have conditions that must be adhered to.

“As of yesterday, I have observed that most of the permits issued are not adhered to.”

“These conditions are, parades or floats must take place at a time approved by the Council and Police, for example from 1pm to 4pm. Another condition is that floats for each candidate should take place within their own constituency.”

“Among other conditions, floats should take place on main roads or in the streets.”

Meanwhile the Clerk called on candidates and political parties to respect the conditions stipulated within their permits.

He also acknowledged those who fully complied with the conditions stipulated within their permits.

Solomon Islands is set to go to the polls on 17 April 2024.

A 24 hour election campaign blackout will begin at 12am Tuesday.

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