443 CANDIDATES TO CONTEST NOVEMBER ELECTIONS: S.I.E.C

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has announced that a total of 443 candidates have been nominated to contest the national general elections next month

A statement from the Electoral Commission today said this is the total number of candidates received at the closure of nominations 4:30 pm this afternoon.

But it says the number may be subject to change after any notices of withdrawal of candidates are processed.

Chief Electoral Officer Polycarp Haununu says the nomination process has been conducted in a highly efficient and professional manner.

He thanked the Commission’s Electoral Managers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers for their hard work during the nomination period.

Meanwhile, the statement said Temotu Pele Constituency has the most candidates set to contest the election, with 23 candidates nominated.

East Choiseul, South Vella La Vella and Ulawa Ugi constituencies have the fewest candidates, each with three candidates nominated.

The Electoral Commission also said the total number of candidates is fewer than the 509 candidates that contested the 2010 National General Election.

Chief Electoral Officer Polycarp Haununu said preparations for the election are progressing well, saying their officers have been out in the field over the last few days, helping the Assistant Registration Officers in each constituency prepare to conduct election awareness talks at the village level.

The Electoral Commission said its awareness program is set to begin in all 50 constituencies next Monday.

SIBC News understands, Commission will publish a full list of candidates next week.