HILARY HOSIA
Marshall Islands High School seniors had the opportunity to participate in a mock election where students got to play the different roles in the election process last Friday at the school’s library.
One student was cheered on as he emptied the contents of the electoral box while portraying the role of a police officer monitoring ballots while other students formed lines to cast their votes. The entire activity was coordinated by veteran electoral staff from the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs.
The program was part of a three-day joint voter education activity between MOCIA and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Chief Electoral Officer Ben Kiluwe explained the electoral process and the requirements of potential voters. Chief Ben also encouraged the students to visit the electoral office to learn about the election process.
The students were also presented with how elections are done in different parts of the world. The students were impressed to learn that some countries place objects like chickens and trees in place of a candidate because of an illiterate population.
Other countries, shown in the presentation by former CEO of Tokyo Election Administration Office Shimizu Daisuke, use candidate photos next to the checkmark box for similar reasons. Japan, according to Daisuke, is the only nation in the world that allows voters to write down the name of the candidates prior to voting.
MIHS Principal Barbara Ned and several teachers also engaged in the program. In addition, Japan Ambassador Soma Hirohisa made a surprise visit during the program and observed for a brief moment before taking off.
Refreshments for the participants was provided by JICA.