Concerns of corruption have prompted the electoral office in Solomon Islands to stop issuing voter identification cards to people wanting to switch constituencies.
A common scene across Solomon Islands as people line up to register to vote in next year's national and provincial elections. Town Ground, Honiara. September 2018. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Peter Iroga
The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reported chief electoral officer Mose Saitala saying they had strong evidence that a number of people have been handing over their voter identification cards to intending candidates in exchange for gifts or cash.
Mr Saitala said all voter registration officers have been ordered not to issue voter identification cards to people who are already on the electoral roll but are seeking to register under a different constituency.
Those registering to vote for the first time will still be able to get ID cards.
Mose Saitala warned that selling a voter identification card is a serious offence and anyone caught would be prosecuted.
Tens of thousands of Solomon Islanders have turned out to register to vote in the national and provincial elections taking place early next year.
The voter registration process closes on Thursday, September 27.
