NEW Zealand deployed a team of Defence Force personnel and two helicopters on Tuesday to provide security for the 2024 general elections in the Solomon Islands scheduled on April 17.
The deployment was in response to the request made by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission.
The initiative was part of an election support program worth 10.8 million New Zealand dollars announced by the government in January.
The troops will help transport election officers and materials around the Solomon Islands.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the government will also provide funding for the preparation and management of elections in the Melanesian nation.
Australia also deployed hundreds of troops to the Solomon Islands to provide security for the Pacific Games which took place from November 19 to December 2, 2023.
The Australian troops will stay in the island nation until the elections. Australia contributed about 17 million dollars to the Pacific Games and also pledged financial aid for the upcoming elections.
