Solomon Islands General Election 2024
Voting closed across the Solomon Islands on Wednesday in its first general election since the government switched diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to China and struck a secret security pact that has raised fears of Beijing’s navy gaining a foothold in the South Pacific.
Key Points from the Election
- As many as 420,000 registered voters had their say across 50 national seats on Wednesday.
- The national vote coincides with elections for eight of the 10 local governments for the first time.
- Voters expressed concerns about the Solomon Islands’ closer relationship with China and a troubled domestic economy.
Some voters queued outside polling stations from 4 a.m. — three hours before polling began — with many more flocking to booths early after seeing the growing crowds. Voting ended at 4 p.m.
Pre-Election Preparations
With early voting available to a select few, voters spent recent days traveling back to home electorates, quietening the streets of the capital Honiara and forcing the nation’s main hospital to enter crisis mode due to a lack of staff.
The election comes as the United States has been working to build diplomatic bridges with South Pacific island nations since Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the security pact with China.
US Response and Allegations
Ann Marie Yastishock, the US ambassador to the Solomons, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, released a statement dismissing misleading claims about US involvement in the election.
More than 1,000 polling stations were scattered across villages and town centers across the Solomons, with some visited by Prime Minister Sogavare.
Key Issues and Campaigns
- Opposition candidates have campaigned on reexamining elements of the Chinese relationship, including the 2022 security pact with Beijing.
- Domestic issues such as health clinics running low on medicines and the rising cost of living have also played key roles in the campaigns.
- Loyalties to candidates through blood or church can influence ballots, while the illegal practice of vote-buying also occurs.
Police have warned they are prepared to quickly respond to any potential disorder that has broken out after past elections. Vote counting begins on Thursday, with the result expected to be known in more than a week. The 50 elected lawmakers must then choose who will become the next prime minister.
