Ballot boxes for West Guadalcanal constituency to arrive in Honiara tonight

By Alfred Pagepitu

Ballot boxes for the West Guadalcanal constituency by-election is expected to arrive in Honiara tonight Wednesday.

Returning Officer for West Guadalcanal Constituency, Mr. Willie Kokopu confirmed that all valid ballot boxes will be transported to Honiara via Auki Express as soon as polling closes at 4pm.

He said the first pick-up points include Wanderer Bay Ward, Tangarare, Tiaro, and Lambi.

“We anticipate that all ballot boxes will arrive in the capital between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm tonight,” Mr. Kokopu said.

He said the security for the ballot boxes and polling stations is being provided by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

Meanwhile, Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Guadalcanal Province, Chief Superintendent Rodney Kuma, confirmed that police officers have been deployed across all polling sites in both West Guadalcanal Constituency and Paripao Ward.

“We have officers stationed at all polling stations. Our role is to ensure public safety, support electoral officials, and safeguard the ballot boxes during transportation,” PPC Kuma said.

He also urged all voters to participate peacefully in the democratic process.

“We appeal to everyone to vote respectfully and allow the process to take place without disruption. Our officers are available to assist with any issues or questions,” he added.

Around 80 police officers have been deployed to support the by-election operations, ensuring a safe and orderly environment for both voters and election officials.

The by-election is being conducted to fill vacant seats in both the National Parliament and the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly.

[end]