Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Solomon Islands police say no sign of trouble with elections

Posted at 20:37 on 30 July, 2010 UTC

The police in Solomon Islands say they’ve received no intelligence indicating any security concerns surrounding next Wednesday’s general election.

A six-week long election security operation is underway involving a large number of officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police and the RAMSI Participating Police Force.

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall says police are talking to community groups such as the Chinese Association, NGOs, and politicians, and there’s been no suggestion of trouble ahead.

“We’ve had no indication of any concern or problems suffice to say that the memory of 2006 is still fresh in the minds of lots of people so they’re naturally cautious. But they’re also very pleased with the presence and planning that’s obvious from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and their counterparts.”

Peter Marshall says there could be frustrations with long queues and voter registration issues on election day, but the police can handle the situation.