DC Vaevaso appeals to community leaders for a safe and secure joint elections

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security and Operation Support (NSOS) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have appealed to the community leaders for a safe and secure joint elections 2024.

The appeal was made during an awareness program conducted at Gizo, Ringi, Noro and Munda last week during his provincial tour to the Western Province.

DC Vaevaso appeal to the good people in Western Province to comply with electoral laws and urges community leaders, church leaders, and members of the public to actively engage in promoting a safe and secure election environment.

Mr. Vaevaso says, “Good for the public to understand and abide by the electoral act and prevent committing those offences, which have severe penalties and ensure fair, transparent and successful joint elections.”

He says, “In the Electoral Act, candidates, electoral officials, police and public have responsibilities to abide by and if witness any offences committed reports must be made to police with sufficient evidence to prove the case.”

During the awareness program police highlighted various offences outlined in the electoral act, such as fraudulent voting, election bribery, intimidation, inciting election boycott, undue influence, interfering with ballot papers and ballot boxes, etc that carries hefty fines and years of imprisonment.

“In the upcoming joint elections, the RSIPF will be the leading law enforcement agency that will play an important role in safeguarding the democratic process of the election. I therefore appeal to public to work with police to address any security concerns that arise and ensure peace is maintained,” says Vaevaso.