Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Solomons expects free and fair election

Posted at 22:12 on 29 July, 2010 UTC

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission says the country remains on course to hold a free and fair election next Wednesday, despite reports of voter bullying.

The chief electoral officer has issued a warning to candidates to respect electoral laws and keep their campaigns peaceful following reports of voters being intimidated.

Polycarp Haununu says overall there have been few complaints about the behaviour of candidates, except for incidents reported by returning officers in West Guadalcanal

“Some of these candidates have been threatening voters. This make the other supporters angry so they start throwing stones and things like that and swearing at people.”

Polycarp Haununu says police have been alerted to the reports and are patrolling the area.

He says he believes the election will run fairly following awareness programs to inform people about voting.