3 Feb 2006

Solomon Islands public servants step down to go on campaign trail

1:47 pm on 3 February 2006

At least ten Solomon Islands public servants have stepped down from their positions to launch a campaign in the upcoming general election.

The permanent secretary of the public service department, Ishmael Avui, says although total numbers are not yet known, he believes it to be at least ten.

In Solomon Islands, public servants must resign three months before an election in which they wish to stand.

A political appointee has to resign one month before an election.

The election date has not yet been announced, but is expected to be late March or early April.