Voting and election observation vital to election building

One of the greatest manifestations of a democracy is the ability of the people to decide who their representatives should be by voting them into office to manage their affairs and to have an influence on their future, said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon.

Speaking in Honiara on 27 October 2006 at the launch of the Solomon Islands Domestic Observation Programme Report on the 2006 General Elections, Mr McKinnon stressed the importance of democracy “by getting democratic institutions right, preserving them, nurturing them, defending them, believing in them”.

The Secretary-General said elections are a major part of any democracy around the world. He added that growth in the democratic process in a country builds confidence in that country among the international community which in turn leads to investment and development. This will then provide real benefits for the people.

He commended the report of the 80 domestic observers who had participated in the Solomon Islands General Elections on 5 April 2006. They had been trained by an expert in election observation commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretariat. Mr McKinnon underlined the important role the domestic observers played in observing the process of voter registration, the drawing up of electoral boundaries and the actual polling count.

Christina Mitini, a domestic observer, said the report included recommendations for improvements in voter registration and the revision of electoral laws. She also commended the use of one ballot box which enhanced the integrity of the process.

Ms Mitini stated: “It now lies in our hands to take up and strengthen this important project which we hope will contribute to strengthening democracy in our country. Let us learn from the shortcomings of the past elections and make room to consider the recommendations of both international and domestic observers alike.”

The Secretary-General agreed, noting that changes in the Solomon Islands electoral system needed to originate from the people of that country and be championed by them.

Sir Peter Kenilorea, Speaker of the National Parliament and Chairman of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, said the report of the domestic observers reflects the desire of the people of Solomon Islands to continue searching for better ways of ensuring that the electoral processes of their country is free, fair and transparent.

“A young country like Solomon Islands, where the processes of democracy and political representation are still going through a lot of changes, can only learn from other more stable and mature democracies. This report is a valuable asset that will assist us in planning the future of the country’s electoral process,” Sir Peter stated.

A Commonwealth Observer Group headed by Sir Arnold Amet, former Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, was also present at the Solomon Islands General Elections. Its report stated that the elections had successfully reflected the broad wishes of the people of Solomon Islands.

Key Links:

• Election Observation
• Solomon Islands Country Profile
• Secretary-General meets key leaders in Solomon Islands