Ms Tuki is eligible to contest the 2019 elections
Freda Tuki, former MP for Temotu Vatud. Photo credit: GCU.
The Former Member of Parliament for Temotu Vatud constituency Freda Tuki is being cleared to contest next year’s national general election.
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission made the clarification due to confusions of the former MP’s eligibility.
Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala explained, the former MP could have been disqualified if the seat is being contested in a by- election.
He added, the High Court’s decision was clear and there is no inconsistency between the old and new electoral act.
Ms Tuki is therefore qualified to contest the upcoming election.
“The High Court decision is quite clear , and she’s qualified to contest the general elections in 2019. She is qualified”, Mr Saitala said.
“I think the High Court judgement was based on the old act where a member is disqualified from that parliament, so if there’s a by-election being held she is disqualified.”
By: Fredrick Kusu