R.S.I.P.F TO SET UP PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES NEXT WEEK

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) will set up various precautionary security measures during the election of the Prime Minister next Tuesday.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Commissioner Frank Prendergast confirmed this yesterday to local journalists.

Commissioner Prendergast says the Parliament House and its surroundings including the Vavaya Ridge Road will be restricted to public access except for Parliament staff, media and people living and working in the area.

“The Speaker of the National Parliament has been consulted and the Parliament grounds will not be open to the general public during the election and at the time of the announcement of the Prime Minister. Members of Parliament and those people working at Parliament house will have access as normal and it’s also important for people to note that the road running past parliament house will not be open to the public on the day of the election of Prime Minister, except for those who live in the area or are working in that area. Obviously media will be given access and the results will be broadcast live to all people in the Solomon Islands.”

Mr Prendergast says as part of the security measures, the Honiara Central Market will be closed.

Mr Prendergast adds this means members of the public are advised to do their shopping prior to Tuesday to enable them to remain at their homes during the election day.

“So police would advise people to stay at home or work and listen out for the results through the media or on the radio. Just in support of that the Central main market will be closed as it was for the National General Election, will be closed on the 9th of December, so people who may wish to attend the market probably need to make plans to do that other than the 9th of December.”