by Georgina Maka’a

Despite losing its main office in a fire tragedy last week, Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) says all election data and voters’ list remained saved.

Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Anisi told reporters today all their data and voters list have been backed-up and stored both off-shore and in-country.

“Whilst the fire is a setback it is not a disruption to our mandate to deliver the next elections,” Anisi said.

“We remain committed towards the work leading up to the 2028 national joint elections,” he added.

Under Anisi’s leadership, SIEC delivered the first joint elections in April 2024 – held to elect both national and provincial leaders.

Last Friday’s fire was caused by a suspected electrical fault. Police are, however, still to conclude their investigation into the tragedy.

Anisi said the damage incurred in the fire was estimated to be between $60 million and $70 million.

He also said his staff have already initiated a recovery plan, which will ensure that they replace all the equipment destroyed.

Anisi also calls on the national government to quickly build a new office for them before delivering the 2028 national elections.

He said SIEC is the institution at the heart of our democracy so it’s important to build a new and well-resourced office for it in order to keep serving our people.

SIEC is currently occupying an office space at the National Hosting Authority within the National Sports Stadium in east Honiara.