THE New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) contingent joined their Australian counterparts in providing financial support and security in the Solomon Islands for the upcoming elections on April 17.
The troops arrived in the capital Honiara aboard the Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters on Thursday.
The 200-strong Joint Task Force will help transport polling boxes and election officials to various locations.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters previously said the government will also provide funding for the preparation and management of elections in the Melanesian nation as part of the election support program worth 10.8 million New Zealand dollars.
New Zealand also deployed a team of Defense Force personnel and two helicopters last month.
The Solomon Islands is geographically dispersed, which means it can be challenging to ensure everyone has a chance to vote in the elections next week.
Australia also deployed hundreds of troops to the Solomon Islands to provide security for the Pacific Games and the upcoming elections including financial aid.
