The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara in support of the upcoming 2024 Joint Election.

Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner, Jasper Highwood Anisi, highlights the critical importance of collaboration between SIEC and RSIPF in ensuring the success of the upcoming election. “The cooperation between SIEC and RSIPF will play a crucial role in delivering a successful 2024 Joint Election,” Anisi affirmed.

Addressing the security concerns surrounding the electoral process, Anisi said the pivotal role of RSIPF in safeguarding ballot boxes, electoral officials, and overall election operations. 

“With the signing of this MOU, we are confident in our ability to work closely with RSIPF to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process,” he added.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said, RSIPF’s commitment to national security and maintaining law and order throughout the election period. “As RSIPF, we take the responsibility for national security during the election period extremely seriously,” Mangau stated.

The MOU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation between RSIPF and SIEC, outlining key areas of collaboration, including joint planning of activities, establishment of liaison officer arrangements, and sharing of resources and information.

The SIEC/RSIPF MOU provides a platform for cooperation between the RSIPF and SIEC to:

• Recognizing community expectations for a fair and safe 2024 Joint Election.
• Joint planning of activities related to the election and security operations.
• Establishment of reciprocal liaison officer arrangements.
• Collaboration on funding proposals.
• Sharing of information and resources.
• Development of joint training opportunities.
• Providing support when issues arise during the election.