Councilors Take Oath, Mayor Election Announced

By Alex Dadamu

The Honiara City Council (HCC) councilors took their oaths of allegiance at the HCC Assembly Chambers in Honiara, today.

The ceremony was presided over by City Clerk Justus Denni, who announced that nominations for the mayor’s post are now open and will close at 4:00 PM tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15.

Mr. Denni said that the election for the mayor’s post will be held on Thursday, May 16.

He added that nominations for the mayor’s post must reach the City Clerk’s office 12 hours before the election is conducted.

Ex officio members of the Honiara City Council, including the Premier of Guadalcanal Province, the three Members of Parliament representing Honiara City, and four councilors appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs as required under section 5 (1) (b) of the Honiara City Act 1999, also took their oaths during the ceremony today.

With regards to the time frame specified in the Honiara City Act 1999 for electing a City Mayor, Mr. Denni explained that the delay is beyond their control.

He said the council administration has obtained legal advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers pertaining to the delay.

“Considering that we are currently in a transition period and complying with the advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Mayor’s election will now be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 16,” Honiara City Clerk, Justus Denni stated.

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