FORUM Solomon Islands International (FSII) has congratulated the 50 newly elected members of parliament.
In a statement the group said despite one’s perception and mixed reactions, people have spoken through their ballot papers.
There have been reported incidences of unhappy voters damaging public and private properties as a result of disagreement over results.
FSII strongly condemned the criminal actions and reminded people to respect each other’s democratic rights.
Prior to the 19th November General Election, FSII called on voters to exercise good choices and accept the results.
The statement further reminded voters to stay away from trouble and warned losing candidates not to stir or incite trouble, because our youths are prone to trouble.
“Now that the people have spoken, our next role as voters/constituents is to work together and support the elected Members of Parliament”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the group’s President Redley Raramo said the 50 elected MPs are our voices by virtue of our choices on Election Day; therefore voters have the right to work together with their elected MPs.
“Like other groups and organizations FSII would like to congratulate all the elected MPs and wish them all the best in the next four years,” Mr Raramo said.
“Out of the 447 contesting candidates, you are the best choice, voted to represent your people” he added.
At the same time, FSII also called on the 50 wining candidates to listen to their people and prioritise the needs of their people.
“Choosing to become a leader is a commitment to serve your people,” the statement emphasised.
“You have a constitutional duty to serve your people with dignity and integrity, including transparency and accountability,” FSII added.
Mr Raramo also praised the Electoral Commission staff and police for their role in ensuring that the electoral process went smoothly and dubbed by the international observers as clean and fair and successful.
“The Electoral Office and its staff deserved praise for their professionalism prior to, during and after the election process.
“They have shown professionalism, a lot commitment and charisma to ensure all requirements met deadlines prior to Election Day and during counting,” he said.
The statement further added that many of us do not know the roles of those working hard behind the scene in order to have a successful clean and fair election.
“The bottom line is we must thank ourselves and work together with our leaders during the next four years,” Mr Raramo said.
