By admin
A first Political Parties Commission has been established in the country.
The Commission was established after Parliament passed the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014, and the subsequent appointment by the Prime Minister, when the new Act came into operation.
It is a statutory body to formulate, monitor and review policies relating to the regulation of political parties; oversee the registration, administration and development of political parties to ensure compliance with the Act.
Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui appointed former Speaker of Parliament, Sir Paul Tovua as Chair of the Commission.
Other members of the Political Parties Commission are the South Seas Evangelical Church Pastor, Eric Takila; the United Church Pastor, Philemon Riti; former Permanent Secretary, Ruth Liloqula; and, Head of School for Academy at the Solomon Islands National University, Dr Patricia Rhodie.
They were selected by Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo and Opposition Leader, Dr Derek Sikua.
The Public Service Commission has yet to appoint the Registrar, who will be Secretary to the Political Parties Commission.
The Political Parties Commission will serve a three-year renewable term.
Meanwhile, the Political Parties Commission has been holding consultations with Political Parties and Civil Societies.
The consultations focused on the integrity of political parties engaged by the commission.
The parties include the Liberal Party, People’s Alliance Party, Solomon Islands Democratic Party and Civil Society groups.
The Director of Governance within the Prime Minister’s Office, Calvin Ziru says the consultations allowed interactions between political parties and civil society groups with the two international experts on the issue.
Mr Ziru says it was also an opportunity to inform political party representatives on how to register political parties that intend to contest this year’s General Elections.
Registration of political parties is expected to begin July 25, until August 4.
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