Solomon Islands Academic advises voters to pick out real policies from unreal ones ahead of polling day

By Fredrick Kusu

Political campaigning is heating up in Solomon Islands as political parties and intending candidates are competing for votes ahead of the joint elections in April.

Among other policy intentions announced by parties and their candidates so far are addressing corruption, economics and government transformations and land reforms.

Others pledged to foster inclusive growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development, commitment to national sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens, create new jobs and increase government employees’ salaries.

But amidst the current competition for votes, Dr. Gordon Nanau, a senior lecturer in politics and international affairs in the School of Government at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji reminds voters to listen to these campaigns and see if party policies are real.

“ It is good to listen to as many political parties and candidates as possible coming to your areas to determine the sorts of policy intentions they offer.”

“ As usually the case in the lead up to general elections, there will be varying views, platforms and manifestos promoted.”

“ It is important to be present and ask questions to see if such policy intentions are realistic. If voters spend time reading manifestos or listen to campaigns and question what they are hearing, they should be able to discern realistic policy positions from unreal ones.”

He said the key is to have an open mind and listen to parties and candidates and decide what policy intentions are genuine, realistic and can be achieved.

Political campaigning and the media

The traditional media has been widely used as an indirect campaigning platform to disseminate campaign messages, policy intentions and manifestos in the current political campaigns.

The editorial independence could be at stake as political parties, individuals and interest groups are putting money and resources into activities related to the election.

The senior lecturer said the media plays an important role in providing verified and truthful information to the public.

“ While political parties, individuals and interest groups are putting money and resources into activities related to the national general election, those who determine what news or promotional materials get published or released ought to be vigilant.

“ There are basic ethical standards that journalists follow in their line of work and following these standards would ensure correct and verified messages and materials are given to consumers and audiences.”

“ This would also avoid unnecessary tensions between parties and individuals contesting the forthcoming election and minimize the likelihood of defamatory cases taken against media organizations,” he said.

Meanwhile the BBC Media Action has been training journalists, editors and managers on how to report on the upcoming elections.

The series of training focused on election reporting, especially on verifying information, educating people about the electoral process and helping the public make informed decisions before going to the poll in April.

Solomon Islands is set to go to the polls on 17 April for the parliamentary, provincial and Honiara City Council elections.

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