HCC issues reminders on election campaign rallies and floats permits

However, in a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 27 March 2024, the Council has resolved that legal authority to issue permits for campaign floats, parades and rallies is vested on the Honiara City Council acting in consultation with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) pursuant to the Procession and Public Assemblies Act. The SIEC does not have the legal mandate to advise HCC on issuance of permits.

“The Council has resolved any political party intending to organize a float, parade or rally during this election period must submit a written application to the City Clerk, Honiara City Council and copy the letter to the Commissioner of Police,” the City Clerk said.

Pursuant to Rule 3 of the Procession and Public Assemblies Rules enacted under the Procession and Public Assemblies Act, the application must be submitted to the City Clerk and Commissioner of Police not less than 48 hours before your planned rally or float parade.

The City Clerk will in consultation and agreement with the Commissioner of Police issue the relevant permit with conditions pursuant to Rule 4 of the Procession and Public Assemblies Rules. Rule 4 states that permission may be granted subject to conditions.

So if you are planning to stage a campaign rally or float parade within Honiara City, submit your application no less than 48 hours or 2 days before your activity. Political parties and candidates must not hold any rally or float parade without a permit issued by the Honiara City Council.

The RSIPF can stop any rally or float parade without a permit. On a similar vein, the Council and RSIPF can cancel or revoke any permit issued if a political party or candidate breaches one of the conditions.

ENDS///

HCC