‘Explain the new act’: Hilda Kari
The country’s first woman and former politician, Hilda Kari has called on the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission to clearly explain the new Electoral Act 2018.
The tenth Parliament in its eleventh meeting has passed the Electoral Act last month.
Mrs Kari’s call followed numerous concerns over the issue of cross border registrations reported across the country since registration started on September 3.
She said cross border registrations are creating uncertainty over the National General Elections next year.
“I was staggered to here that many of my villagers in Nusa Roviana where we reside together in one place and I know them all are moving elsewhere to register.
“Some are moving to Marovo, some are moving to Kolombangara, some are moving to Rendova which are different constituencies and this is really worrying to me. If this is now happening during the registration period then what is going to happen in Solomon Islands during election day?”
Cross border registration is illegal under the new Electoral Act 2018 and those found guilty will face a 50-thousand dollars fine, five years imprisonment or both.
The cross border registrants have until September 27 to withdraw their names or face the charges.
By: Rickson Bau