Honiara, Solomon Islands: The Government
of Japan has provided JPY 430 million (US$3 million) to the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the
Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral
Assistance Project (SIDGEAP).
Implemented in
partnership with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission
(SIEC) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties
(ORPP), the project supports national efforts to strengthen
electoral institutions and prepare for inclusive,
transparent and credible elections.
The contribution
was formalised at a signing ceremony held at the Embassy of
Japan in Honiara, attended by H.E. Keiichi Higuchi,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to
Solomon Islands, Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel, UNDP Resident
Representative for the Pacific Office, and Mr. Jasper
Highwood Anisi, Chief Electoral Officer of the Solomon
Islands Electoral Commission. The event was facilitated by
Mr. Solomon Kalu, Programme Specialist, Inclusive Governance
& Economic Growth, UNDP Solomon Islands, who moderated
the proceedings.
This contribution marks a significant
milestone in bilateral cooperation, reaffirming Japan’s
commitment to democratic governance and inclusive
development in Solomon Islands. It expands the group of
development partners supporting the UNDP led programme,
joining Australia and the United Kingdom, and building on
the support provided by the European Union in the previous
electoral cycle. The new partnership reflects Japan’s
global foreign policy priorities of human security and a
Free and Open Indo Pacific and builds on its longstanding
collaboration with UNDP in areas including governance,
resilience, and community safety.
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H.E. Keiichi Higuchi
said: “Indispensable to any stable democracy is an
election that is free, inclusive, and fair. The 2024 Joint
Elections, successfully delivered by the Solomon Islands
Electoral Commission (SIEC), earned praise for their
transparency and credibility. Building on that achievement,
Japan is partnering with
UNDP and SIEC to strengthen
facilities, provide technical training, and expand civic
education. These measures will ensure that future elections,
including the 2028 General Elections, are transparent,
inclusive, and trusted by all citizens.”
Ms.
Altangerel stated: “We deeply value Japan’s generous
support, which builds on the lessons of the 2024 Joint
Elections and positions Solomon Islands to advance
institutional, legal, and operational readiness well ahead
of polling day. Together, we are committed to accountable
institutions and inclusive participation led and owned by
Solomon Islanders.”
Mr. Anisi added, “Japan’s
support, together with UNDP through SIDGEAP, builds on the
credibility of past elections and positions us to deliver
future by-elections and the 2028 General Elections with even
greater transparency and inclusiveness. Guided by our
Strategic Plan, we are embedding reforms and innovations
that will ensure women, youth, and persons with disabilities
are not only participants but leaders in shaping the
democratic future of Solomon Islands.”
Looking
beyond 2028, the partnership between Japan, UNDP, will
continue to support nationally led efforts to strengthen and
electoral institutions, promote inclusive participation and
build public confidence in electoral
processes.
