28 Nov 2005

Former chief electoral officer in Solomons charged with corruption

7:13 am on 28 November 2005

The former chief electoral officer in Solomon Islands has been arrested and charged with corruption.

Martin Karani is reported in the Solomons Star to have allegedly granted a government contract to his own shipping company.

Mr Karani's company is said to have submitted a quotation to the Electoral Commission to supply a ship to transport ballot boxes and officials during the Ulawa-Ugi by-elections.

The Electoral Commission allegedly accepted the quotation and the contract was awarded to the shipping company.

Mr Karani has been released on bail after appearing in the Central Magistrates Court