IN a significant shift, citizens will have the power to directly elect Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents, marking a departure from the previous system where Ward Members played a pivotal role.
Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Minister Soroi Eroe made this announcement, highlighting the decision reached during the recent Parliamentary sessions.
“From the 27th of June 2024, LLG Presidents will be elected by the people themselves, a departure from the previous practice where Ward Members played a key role,” Eroe stated.
The decision, extensively debated within the Government caucus over the past two weeks, reflects a consensus among MPs. This change aligns the LLG election process with that of the National Election, where both open members and regional seats are decided simultaneously.
“The election of ward members and election of the President will be done at the same time. It is an important change that our people need to take note of,” Eroe said.
He clarified that while this represents a significant shift, it is not an entirely new concept. From 2008 to 2015, Presidents were elected directly by the people before a subsequent change recommended that they be elected by ward members.
Eroe acknowledged that both systems have their merits and drawbacks but stressed that it is the people who determine the success or failure of any electoral system.
“So, we have to change from one system to another,” he remarked.
The LLG election for the year 2024 is scheduled to take place between July and August.
Eroe would engage with the Electoral Commission to discuss the budget and logistics for the upcoming election.
The proposed schedule is as follows:
Issue of Writs: 4 pm on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Close of Nominations: 4 pm on Wednesday, July 30.
Start of Polling: Saturday, August 24.
End of Polling: Friday, September 6, 2024.
Eroe urged citizens to be aware of this change and actively participate in the upcoming election process.
