LOSING candidates in Wednesday’s polls are encouraged to work hard, instead of being discouraged.
Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) made the reminder yesterday.
A total of 447 candidates contested the November 19 election as party and independent candidates for the 50 constituency parliamentary seats.
FSII Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Afuga said now that the electoral process is over and dubbed peaceful, losing candidates must accept the outcome of the process.
“Not everyone will win. In a democratic system there is only one winner,” Mr Afuga stressed.
He said as true leaders, candidates who did not make it this time must respect the results and allow the 50 winning candidates to play their mandated roles as parliamentary representatives.
The FSII boss also reminded losing candidates to remind their die-hard supporters to respect the rule of law.
“I know it will be unacceptable and painful but that’s what democracy presents,” he said.
“You have to go back to the drawing table and see where you went wrong and then strategize how to overcome them,” Mr Afuga added.
He encouraged losing candidates not to be discouraged but encouraged them to do what they have been doing which propelled them to contesting this year’s national election.
“The desire to lead must not be misconstrued. Don’t believe only an MP is a leader, ordained to help your people or make positive changes for your people.
“This is gross misinterpretation. Leadership roles are everywhere, small or big, recognised or not recognised, leadership roles are waiting for you, therefore work harder and smarter to earn respect, trust and confidence of your people,” he said.
Mr Afuga also cautioned candidates to refrain from instigating problems.
“Our young population is prone to trouble therefore in fragile situations it only takes one word from a losing candidate to trigger rioting and looting.
“Our young people are conditioned to cause trouble because during campaigning they are promised huge benefits by certain candidates. But this must stop,” Mr Afuga added.
With 11,500 members, FSII has been providing profitable options, ideas, views and recommendations and can be very useful for the development and advancement of this country.
Mr Afuga said his group is made up of all academics, scholars, experts in various fields, theologians, experienced men and women, politicians, chiefs, leaders, house wives and ordinary citizens in the rural areas.
