Honiara, Solomon Islands – On March 26, the UN Development Programme in Solomon Islands, and the Australian High Commissioner held a handover ceremony to deliver equipment to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission.

This equipment was procured by UNDP Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) which is funded by the Australian Government and UNDP and it includes three desktops computers, six laptops and three printers.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Ms. Sally-Anne Vincent; UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager, Mr. Berdi Berdiyev; Chairperson of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, Hon. Patteson Oti; Electoral Commissioner, Ms. Taeasi Sanga and Chief Electoral Officer, Ms. Jane Waetara were in attendance. 

Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Sally-Anne Vincent stated, “As SECSIP’s largest doner Australia is committed to the important work of the SIEC.”

Olivia Chambers, Second Secretary, Australian High Commission, added her thanks to the SECSIP team for their flexibility and continuous in-country support to SIEC. She said, “Australia has a long-standing relationship supporting the SIEC and looks forward to continuing the close engagement with UNDP and SIEC into the future.”

Hon. Patteson Oti, Chairperson of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission stated, “On 23 March, the Governor-General of Solomon Islands issued the proclamation calling for by-elections to be held on 19 May 2021. On this date, parliamentary by-elections for the South Choiseul constituency will be simultaneously held with provincial assembly by-elections for Kirugela ward (Choiseul) and Tikopia/Anuta (Temotu).

The SIEC mandate’s scope requires the human and material resources to carry out the electoral duties and responsibilities set out in the Electoral Act. This equipment handed over today will certainly assist the Electoral Office in their work with the Provinces. Taking this opportunity, we express our gratitude to UNDP Solomon Islands and the Government of Australia for their continuous support and assistance to prepare for the upcoming elections.”

Mr Berdi Berdiyev, UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager, highlighted the significance of the government’s efforts and commitment to working towards the 2030 agenda along with UNDP as a partner.

He said, “UNDP is delighted to support the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) and the Electoral Office to plan and implement inclusive, credible and sustainable electoral processes”.  

In this context, Mr Berdiyev said, “Through SECSIP as well as through other UNDP initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Fund, UNDP is supporting national authorities in their efforts to enhance access to information and communication throughout the country.”

The handover was organized by the UNDP Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP). It supports the national authorities to conduct credible and inclusive electoral processes with the overarching objective to strengthen the link between electoral and other key governance processes and institutions to contribute to social cohesion and the development of a pluralistic society. The project has received the financial support from the Australian Government, the European Union and UNDP.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Anastasiia Tiurmenko, Communications Specialist, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, anastasiia.tiurmenko@undp.org, +677 27 446/ +677 747 21 29