Alleged threats to the democratic process
In mid to late 1998 I warned the then government and then diplomatic partners of the Solomon Islands of firstly the threats to the government and then reported on the criminal acts of those that carried out acts of intimation, assault, arson rape and forced evacuation of citizens often at the point of a gun.
Sadly, we all know how that unlawful activity ended up and there should never ever be a repeat of such unlawful, criminal and anti-democratic activity in the Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands allows for free speech but, as I have said before, free speech is not absolute even in a democratic society.
We must acknowledge that whereas free speech is crucial to democracy, it is not an absolute right. In my view, to the extent that speech can endanger life and threaten public order, it is regulated; in other words, people should be free to say whatever they want, provided they don’t breach public order or endanger the lives of others.
Were the series of article claimed to have been published in a local newspaper checked out for accuracy and importantly likely to be in breach of public order or potentially endanger the lives of others?
The government has said that ongoing rumours of a supposed armed group seeking to remove the Prime Minister is not in the best interests of peace and security.
I believe such rumours should be investigated for if there is any evidence of truth behind such allegations then the criminal law as provided for in the Penal Code should be invoked against all those involved in publishing, propagating and inciting such untruths if it can be substantiated the purpose was/is to incite the forced removal of a democratically elected government and a democratically elected Prime Minister.
A government statement has said, and I quote.
The process for removing a Prime Minister is through the National Parliament and not by an armed group.
The statement instead encouraged law-abiding citizens of the country to voice their concerns through their elected representatives and other appropriate channels for government consideration.
Ministers continue to encourage citizens of the country to focus their energy on nation building in partnership with the Government and development partners.
“It is in our best interest that we do not return to those dark moments of our country’s history, in this post ethnic tension period the paramount duty for all of us is to bring out the best of this country for the sake of our children.
“Whatever decisions we make today will bear consequences that will be felt by the next generations, therefore, we must be conscious and exercise sensitivity in all the decisions we are dispensing today. What we leave behind for them will be our legacy to them and their children,” the statement said.
The statement says that in such uncertain times caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic, provoking political and social instability should be the last thing on everyone’s minds.
“We must work together in unity for the betterment of our country, if we are fragmented, we will only succumb to the onslaught of the deadly pandemic,” government reiterated.
“We must also respect the multicultural composition of Honiara. Honiara is made up of our people from every province. Furthermore, Honiara is hosted by Guadalcanal Province. We must respect our host Province and the people of Guadalcanal.
“Solomon Islands is our country and Honiara is our city. It is our individual and collective duty to ensure that our children and our people continue to enjoy a peaceful, stable and secure existence in Honiara,” the government statement said.
End of quote.
Source: GCU Media
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
