THE Honiara City Council has differed the by-election for Panatina Ward to a later date.

The ward was supposed to hold a by-election on Feb 15.

The deferral of the by-election was due to the slow process of funds currently pursued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Returning Officer for Panatina Ward by-election, Mr Vincent Kohata told this paper yesterday in an interview that it is important that everyone understands that the by-election is being held up due to lack of funds.

He said this is what the council is currently experiencing with the by-election; the legal revocation notice of the by-election was issued on February 10 by the Minister.

According to the revocation notice sighted by this paper, it says “I Hon Manasseh Maelanga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs revoke the Notice of By-election – Panatina Ward 12 published under Legal Notice No. 11 of 2017 concerning the Honiara City Council By-election for Panatina Ward 12.”

Mr Kohata said the second notice for the date for nomination and by-election is yet to be set and that will depend on the availability of the funds.

Mr Kohata continued that the by-election will proceed once the funds are made available.

However, Mr Kohata said regarding the first notice of the by-election recently issued, public in Panatina Ward aware of the schedule supposed to be for the revoked by-election.

He stated that the published scheduled was that on the 8th of this month nomination of candidates should have happened and the election was supposed to be held on the 15th that was Wednesday last week.

Mr Kohata reiterated that for now, date for the by-election is not yet set but they will do so as long as the fund for the by-election available.