Solomons to hold two by-elections on one day

09/07/2008 18:57:38

The Solomon Islands' electoral commission has confirmed that a by-election for the recently-vacated seat of East Honiara will coincide with the Lau-Baelelea by-election on Malaita.

The electoral commission has told the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation holding the two by-elections at the same time will minimise time wastage and logistics.

The East Honiara seat has been left vacant following the imprisonment last week of the incumbent, Charles Dausabea, on charges of conversion of funds in 2001.

A commission spokesman, Alphonces Pero, says staff at the electoral office are busy doing the revision on the Lau-Baelelea electoral roll, and finalising election logistics.

Mr Pero says his office will be making a formal budget submission for the two by-elections to the government for approval.

He says a date will then be proclaimed by the governor-general.

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