APDP’s mission here was done in cooperation with the East-West Centre in Hawai’i.
The mission included election specialists, government officials, academics and civil society representatives from eight countries including Australia, Mongolia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Timor-Leste, and the United States.
Former vice president and former Minister of State of the Republic of Palau Sandra Sumang Pierantozzi headed the delegation.
“The observation mission visited more than 150 polling stations and engaged in conversations with a diverse range of voters, officials and other community leaders,” it said in a statement.
“Additionally, we observed the chain of transmission of the ballot boxes from a number of polling places to the provincial tabulation centres and witnessed the early tabulation process at various sites.
“We wish to convey our congratulations to the people of the Solomon Islands for an open and spirited electoral process, and for conducting an election that generated high voter interest and was free of violence,” it said.
It added: “Notably, the delegates reported that the counting process has been transparent and appears to be being conducted without significant irregularities.
“During the pre-election period, campaigning was peaceful and lively.
“The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission produced a range of useful informational materials and distributed a creative DVD video program informing voters about the election.
“Media coverage suggested open, highly competitive campaigns were conducted for the fifty parliamentary seats.
“The APDP observer team would encourage the expansion of issue-based exchanges among candidates in future elections and the development of means for ensuring even broader dissemination of information related to the election.”
The mission said based on Election Day observations representing a sample of voting sites, they noted some irregularities and procedural inconsistencies which may merit further investigation by election officials.
“In particular, the delegation either observed or heard reports of a substantial number of potential voters turned away from polling places because their names were not included on the roles.
“While this may not necessarily impact results, the delegation would strongly recommend a thorough review of voter registration lists to minimise disenfranchisement and the potential for fraud.
“Observers also noted concerns over delays in voting procedures at some large polling stations.
“These will be further elaborated in the Election Observation Mission’s final report which will be shared with government officials and non-governmental organisations.
“The ultimate legitimacy of the election can only be determined by the citizens of the Solomon Islands after all the votes are tabulated and any challenges adjudicated.”
Head of delegation Ms Pierantozzi said their observation mission was both and informative.
“I wish to personally express my gratitude to the government and the people of the Solomon Islands for their warm hospitality to all members of the delegation.
“We also wish to convey deep appreciation to our hosts for their warm hospitality and gracious acceptance of the delegation.
“The delegation is grateful for the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and establish new friendships that help to build a stronger and more democratic Asia-Pacific community.
“It is the delegation’s hope that citizens of the Solomon Islands will join future international election observation missions to other areas of Oceania and Asia.”
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