News

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission works on new voter's roll, Radio New Zealand International (2009)

In order to prepare for next year's general election, the Electoral Commission is preparing a new voter's roll, which is supposed to replace the voter's list used in previous general elections.

Solomon Islands: Public get free voter registration stickers, Solomon Star (2010)

As part of awareness raising about the 2010 voter registration, Electoral Commission is giving away free voter registration car stickers, containing the main message of: One Name + One Place = Voter Registration. The house to house registration starts on January 25.

Solomons preparing for general election, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

Putting this year's general elections on Solomon Islands into perspective, this article informs about the voter registration that is about to start on the Islands. Having had problems with voters' lists in the past, the chief electoral officer said this year the commission will focus on stamping out corruption, ghost voting and villagers voting twice.

Solomon Islands: Electoral body aims for accuracy, Solomon Star (2010)

Data processing officers have been hired by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission as part of the final stage of the voter registration process. The applicants were selected based on a panel interview and practical typing exercise. After the end of the 60 day registration period, a draft voter list will be put out in every ward to begin the revision period. The voters will be encouraged to check the draft list and report on any spotted mistakes.

Solomon Islands: Political Campaigning Should Not Begin: Electoral Commission, Solomon Times Online (2010)

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission informed the intending candidates to refrain from political campaigning until the election date is declared, in a response to reports that certain candidates are issuing out payments and carrying out their campaigns.

Solomon Islands: EU to send election expert team here, Solomon Star (2010)

European Union has agreed to send expert mission for the national general election around June.

Corruption fight a Solomons election priority, Radio Australia News (2010)

Recent foreign aid has allegedly disappeared, and there are concerns that a lot of his country's aid has been used by politicians to buy votes, rather than to improve services to the provinces, but the prime minister, Dr Derek Sikua, says new guidelines have been put in place and government ministers are now required to account for all funding.

Solomons to toughen penalties for electoral fraud, Radio New zealand International (2010)

No date has been set yet for the general election, but the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission supports harsher penalties for election offences, including voting multiple times and under different names.

Solomons yet to set date for general Elections, East-West Center (2010)

THE Electoral Commission Office is tightlipped over the date for the upcoming National Election. With Parliament dissolving on 24 April, no date has yet be floated.

Ruling Parties to contest as one, Solomon Star (2010)

PARTIES that made up the Dr Sikua-led Government yesterday agreed to contest the upcoming national elections under a common platform. This was agreed to during the Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement Government (CNURA) one-day retreat held at the the Commonwealth Youth Program Centre, East Honiara.

Solomon Islands moves to strengthen electoral laws, Radio Australia News (2010)

In Solomon Islands, a new electoral bill has been table in Parliament, aimed at strengthening the processes involved with voter registration, polling and counting.

Solomon Islands election campaigners urged to be honest, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Solomon Islands election candidates have been told to be honest about their election spending.

Solomon Islands coalition government split up, Radio Australia (2010)

A senior regional political commentator says he does not see the parties that form the coalition government in Solomon Islands contesting the upcoming general elections as one group.

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission hampered by time and funds, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article discusses the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission's preparations for the upcoming national election and the challenges they face.

Solomon Islands:2010 Elections Expect Huge Voter Turn Out, The Solomon Times Online (2010)

This article discusses potential time lines and voter turnout for the upcoming national elections in The Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands: Hou eyes seat, Solomon Star (2010)

This article discussed former Central Bank Governor Rick Hou's announcement that he will stand in the national election. Hou will return to The Solomon Islands from the United States to compete in the June general election.

Solomon Islands:Sir Frank returns from Taiwan, Solomon Star (2010)

Governor General Sir Frank Kabui has returned from his trip to Taiwan. His announcement is needed to set a date for the anticipated elections.

Solomon Islands:A return to basics... The only way to move forward, Solomon Star (2010)

This article discusses potential dates for the upcoming elections in the Solomon Islands. It discusses in the increase in political parties that have registered to contest the election.

August 4th to be Solomon Islands election date, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article reports about the Prime Minister's call for elections. On August 4th, citizens in the Solomon Islands will vote for a parliamentary election. In the 2006 elections police reported many cases of election-related violence.

Unofficial date set for Solomon Islands elections, Australia Network News (2010)

The Solomon Islands will go to the polls on August 4th, the Prime Minister announced. The Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui, however has to confirm this decision and make an official announcement.

Solomons Government House raises doubt about August 4th election date, Radio New Zealand (2010)

The Government House considers the election date set by the Prime Minister mileading. The Prime Minister, Derek Sikua, announced this date in unofficial meetings in the past days, but only the General Governor has the authoirity to do this.

Solomon Islands: Elections date invalid:Government House, Solomon Times (2010)

This article reports the Government House's notice about the date (August 4) for the next elections. The Prime Minister set this date in unofficial meetings, but according to the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act only the Governor General can do that.

Solomon Islands: First women's party launch, Solomon Star (2010)

This article reports on the institution of the first women party in the Solomon Islands’ history. The party's goal is to promote the advancement of women in politics. According to the leader of this party, Delma Nori, the absence of women in the parliament is a clear sign that gender equality is still far.

Solomon Islands: Prime Minister apologizes to Governor General, Solomon Times (2010)

This article reports on the apologies made by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Derek Sikua, to the Governor General. Last week, the Prime Minister announced unofficially the date of the next elections. However, only the Electoral Commission can set the date and inform the Governor General, the only one who has the power to announce it.

Solomon Islands: Mock exercises for election, Solomon Star (2010)

This article reports on the mock exercises that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is carrying out to prepare for the election day. This exercises must test the police's capability to respond to any circumstance.

Solomons electoral commission begins training drive for 2010 poll, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission started training more than 2.000 election officials for the upcoming elections. The date for the elections is yet to be defined by the Governor General.

New party to encourage more women MPs in the Solomons, Radio Australia (2010)

This article presents an interview to Delma Nori founder of the new women party in the Solomon Islands: Twelve Pillars to Peace and Prosperity Party. This party wants to promote women participation in politics.

Solomon Islands: Training for electoral managers underway, Solomon Star (2010)

This article reports on the training of 2,000 election officials for the upcoming elections in the Solomon Islands. The Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Home Affairs opened the first sessions of the workshop.

Solomon candidates told to get ready for polls, Radio New Zealand International

The Electoral Commission in Solomon Islands warned candidates for the upcoming elections to be ready for the polls. Although the Governor General has not yet made an official proclamation, the elections should be on August 4.

New security for Solomon Islands ballot boxes, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article comments the presentation of the new security seals for the ballot boxes for this years elections in Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands Chef Electoral Officer, Polycarp Haununu, stated that the new ballot boxes will have a special numbered seal with the Electoral Commission logo.

Solomon Islands: Involvement of women in election processes vital: Kari, The Solomon Star (2010)

Mrs. Hilda Kari, first female member of of Parliament in Solomon Islands, called for all women in the country to become actively involved in country's politics.

Solomons election process officially launched, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The official date for the Solomon Islands next elections is finally set. On August 4, Solomon Islands voters will elect a new parliament. Today, the chairman of the electoral commission also explained the new and tighter laws that will regulate the electoral process.

Keep you distance, Solomons candidates told, Australia Network News (2010)

This article discusses the warning of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission for candidates for the upcoming August elections. The Chairman of the Commission, Sir Peter Kenilorea, reminded to all candidates that they cannot use their government office to conduct their electoral campaigns.

Solomon Islands electoral chairman says candidates spending can't be monitored, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article discusses the issue of candidate spending monitoring for the upcoming elections in Solomon Islands. The chairman of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, Sir Peter Kenilorea, stated that it is not possible to monitor candidate spending because there is no 'checks and balances' system. For the August 4 elections, the commission will rely on the candidates' honesty.

Election campaigning underway in Solomon Islands, Radio Australia (2010)

This article reports on the election campaign in Solomon Islands. Elections will be held on August 4th, and the campaign for the 50 seats in the House has just begun.

Solomon Islands: Grassroots election awareness gets off, Solomon Star (2010)

The Electoral Commission in Solomon Islands launched its provincial grassroots campaign for the upcoming general elections. The awareness team (actors, athletes, and officials) will travel all around the country to distribute information and answer questions about the voting operations.

Threats prompt Solomons women to stay clear of politics, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Delma Nori, leader of the Twelve Pillars to Peace and Prosperity in Solomon Islands, denounced some political threats to women in the country. Ms Nori stated that her party reported threats against women running for the upcoming elections. Ms Nori called for these women to be strong and go on with their campaigns.

Solomons extends election nominations by one day, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

To accommodate a public holiday the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has extended the nomination period for candidates for the national general election by one day.

New Zealand military boost Solomons election security, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

New Zealand will send military forces to assist Solomon Islands' police during the election period. Rioting occurred following the last elections.

Solomon Islands:Candidates Position on Ballot Paper Decided, Solomon Times (2010)

Returning officers drew the names at random in the presence the candidates of to determine the position of their names on the ballot in the upcoming national general election.

Dozens of international monitors to oversee Solomons’ election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The Solomon Islands' government has invited more than 50 international observers to oversee next months' national election.

UN to lead Solomon Islands election efforts, Australia Network News (2010)

The United Nations will coordinate the efforts of international observers who will monitor next month's national election. The election will take place August 4, as announced by the Governor General.

Solomon Islands:Election awareness a big hit in Gizo and Malaita , The Solomon Star (2010)

The Electoral Commission began the Western province leg of its voter education program and attracted a large turnout. A drama group helped to inform voter of the single-ballot system and ballot box security.

Candidate numbers for Solomon Islands election nears 300, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The number of candidates contesting next month's general election could reach a record high as 294 candidates have already been confirmed. Twenty constituencies have yet to confirm their candidate lists.

Solomon Islands: High expectations, high hopes for real change, The Solomon Star (2010)

This article discusses some of the central election issues in the Solomon Islands including the concerns of the rural population and the formation of multiparty governments.

Former Solomons Central Banker leaves Washington job to stand in elections, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Former Solomon Islands Central Banker Rick Hou resigned from his post at the World Bank to contest the Small Malaita in the upcoming general election.

Aussies issue travel alert for Solomon Islands poll, The Solomon Star (2010)

Australia has warned travellers to avoid protests during the upcoming elections as they may turn violent. The UN will coordinate international observers for the vote.

Solomon Islands:Election Observers Invited to Submit Applications, Solomon Times Online (2010)

The Electoral Commission has invited both local and international organizations to apply for accreditation for their observers. The Chief Electoral Officer said that observers are important for the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.

Solomon Islands:National elections cost $24 Million , The Solomon Star (2010)

The Chief Electoral Officer said that the government has so far fulfilled its financial commitment to the national elections which will cost twenty-four million dollars.

Solomon Islands:Hou Takes on 14 Candidates, Solomon Times (2010)

Former Central Bank Governor Rick Hou retired from his post with the World Bank to contest a seat in the Malaita district in the upcoming elections. Hou will face fourteen candidates for the seat.

Solomons election to cost almost 3 million US dollars, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The Chief Electoral Officer announced that the upcoming general election will cost the government nearly three million US dollars. The costs includes education and awareness programmes as well as costs associated with the actual election process.

Solomon Islands:Police Boost Security Preparations Ahead of Elections, Solomon Times (2010)

Police have begun preparations for a six week operation of heightened security for the August 4th general elections. Police are also working to ensure media access during the election and increased security.

Over 500 to contest Solomons’ election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The Electoral Commission has released the final candidate list for the upcoming general election, which confirms that 508 candidates will compete for seats in fifty consituencies.

Solomon Islands: 508 Candidates to Contest National Elections, Solomon Times (2010)

508 candidates will compete in fifty constituencies during the upcoming general election. Among the candidates are eighteen women including some who will run under the newly formed Women's Party.

Solomon Islands: Clean voting campaign to continue after election, Solomon Star (2010)

The Winds of Change organization has said that they will continue their voter education campaign to support electoral integrity after the election. The campaign will help the public to understand what the programme and its intended aims are.

Solomon Islands:Women's election forum to be held in Munda, The Solomon Star (2010)

The YWCA has invited the twelve candidates running in the New Georgia, Vona Vona constituency to their forum on women and election. Women may be reluctant to speak up in other meetings, or may find it difficult to be heard over men.

Solomon Islands:Police plan to ban sale of alcohol on election day , The Solomon Star (2010)

In an effort to minimize disturbances the police are planning to ban the sale of alcohol during the upcoming election.

Solomons Minister willing to consider up to 4 reserved parliamentary seats for women, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Caretaker deputy prime minister Fred Fono said that depending on the number of women elected in the upcoming election that reserved seats may not be necessary.

Disappointment at low numbers of women contesting Solomons’ election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Hilda Kari, the only woman to ever be elected to parliament in the Solomon Islands, says that there needs to be reserved seats for woman in parliament since the idea that women cannot be MPs still persists.

Solomon Islands:The election boxes are here , The Solomon Star (2010)

The new ballot boxes have arrived for the upcoming general election. The boxes have increased security features to prevent tampering.

Solomons’ election candidate calls for delay in poll due to bad weather, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Mua James Rafu, a candidate in the Vatud constituency has asked that the election in the region be delayed due to poor weather conditions which has impeded campaigning on the islands of Duff, Utupua, Vanikoro, Tikopia and Anuta.

Confidence handful of women candidates will do well in Solomons election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Only one woman has ever been elected to parliament in the Solomon Islands, but Sarah Dyer from the Women in Leadership programme is confident women will do well in the upcoming election. Twenty-five of the 509 candidates are women

Solomon Islands:Election Date Will Not Change: Electoral Commission, The Solomon Times (2010)

The Chief Electoral Officer Polycarp Haununu confirmed that Temotu Vatud will have the same election date as the rest of the country. Some candidates wanted the date moved as inclement weather had made it difficult to campaign in the region.

Solomons’ election sparks a rice shortage, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Some areas of the Solomon Islands are experience shortages of rice as candidates ship rice to rural areas to lure voters.

Solomon Islands:Election Observers: Eyes and Ears of Election, The Solomon Times (2010)

More than sixty election local election observers have been briefed in preparation for the upcoming general election. Chief Electoral Officer Polycarp Haununu welcomed the observers as an important part of a credible electoral process.

Solomon Islands: Electoral commission thanks officials for assisting voter awareness, The Solomon Star (2010)

Chief Electoral Officer Polycarp Haununu thanked returning officer for conducting voter education programmes in their areas. The Electoral Commission also releases a DVD entitled "How to Vote" to inform voters.

Confidence that Solomons election will be trouble free, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

There is confidence that the upcoming general elections will be peaceful and free and fair. Sixty local observers have already been briefed by the Electoral Commission and nine international observers will arrive in the country on Wednesday.

Solomon Islanders get a public holiday on election day next week, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared August 4, election day, a national holiday in The Solomon Islands. The Electoral Commission is satisfied that, as a result, all voters will have equal opportunity to cast their ballot in the general election.

Solomon Islands: Special Election Awareness for North New Georgia, The Solomon Times (2010)

The Electoral Commission will run a special voter education programme for the North New Georgia constituency as it will be the first time that the single ballot system is used in the province. Voters in the province have never used the system since the seat was uncontested in the last national election.

Solomon Islands:NZ MPs to observe elections here , The Solomon Star (2010)

Seven MPs and former MPs from New Zealand will travel to the Solomon Islands as part of an interanational electoral observation mission. The general election is scheduled for August 4.

Solomon Islands:62 foreigners to observe elections, The Solomon Star (2010)

Sixty-two international observers will be in 180 of the 876 polling stations on election day. The United Nations has established a team to support the work of the observers.

Solomons’ political reformer expects less horse trading this election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

John Keniapisia who chaired a government committee on electoral reforms which led to legislation to prevent post-election party hopping believes that politicians will behave responsibly following the upcoming election.

Solomon Islands: Sasako calls for postal voting, The Solomon Star (2010)

Alfred Sasako a candidate contesting the East Kwaio constituency has called for the implementation of postal voting to facilitate the process. Sasako said that postal voting will allow Solomon Islanders to express their candidate preference no matter where they are.

Solomon Islands prepares for election, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

Security forces in the Solomon Islands continue preparations for the upcoming general election in which a record five hundred and eight candidates will compete for the fifty seat parliament. The country hopes to avoid the post-electoral violence which has erupted in the past.

Solomons’ general election proceeding peacefully, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Voting has begun peacefully in the Solomon Islands. Security forces and election observers are present in the country and they hope that the violence that followed the 2006 elections will be avoided.

Polling begins in Solomon Islands, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

Polling has begun peacefully in the Solomon Islands. There have been reports of some problems such as names missing from voting roles it has been a generally calm atmosphere.

Calls for electoral roll reform in Solomon Islands after yesterday’s poll, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

While international observers were generally pleased by the peaceful voting in Solomon Islands the Electoral Commission is calling for reform following difficulties in the poll. There are reports that some people were left off the roles, while others appeared twice.

Vote counting underway in Solomon Islands, Radio Australia (2010)

Vote counting has begun in the Solomon Islands, election observers were pleased with a generally peaceful process. Results are expected in the coming days.

Early re-elections in Solomons poll, Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

Vote counting continues in the Solomon Islands but two MPs have already been re-elected. Voting day was observed to be peaceful but Solomon Islands' police are still on high alert.

Vote counting in Solomon Islands election slower than expected, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Due to the slow vote counting in some areas the chair of the Electoral Commission has expressed doubts that all the results will be in on Sunday as expected. The first results in some areas have already been declared.

Solomon Islands:Rock throwing suspends vote count, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

Vote counting has been suspended in a remote province after supporters of one candidate reportedly started throwing rocks. Some sources have described rioting in the area, but authorities have said that the process has been mostly peaceful and well-handled.

Early Solomons election results show little change, Radio Australia (2010)

Vote counting continues in the Solomon Islands, but the four seats already reported indicate little change. In all the results announced so far incumbents have won.

High profile upsets in Solomons election, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

This article discusses the vote counting operations in the Solomon Islands. So far only 29 of the 50 seats have been assigned, as vote counting is taking longer than expected. Final results are expected on Monday, and then coalition talks will begin. Solomon's police is on high alert to prevent the type of violence that erupted after the release of the results of the 2006 elections.

No legal provision for recount in Solomon's constituency where votes destroyed, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article comments the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission's admission about the impossibility to recount votes in the constituency where ballot papers were destroyed. As a matter of fact, ballot papers were burnt by an angry crowd in Malaita on Friday. Candidates will now have to file a petition to the High Court, the only body that had the authority to call a new elections.

Lack of money behind the failure of women in Solomons' election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article discusses the obstacles that women had to face to run in the recent elections in the Solomon Islands. The National Council of Women spokesperson believes that lack of financial resources is the main reason for the failure of the 25 women who were running for the parliament.

Police in Solomons' say they did not underestimate potential for post election trouble, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the post-election statements of the police in Solomon Islands. The police stated that threats of potential riots after the elections were not underestimate: spontaneous events are to be expected and the police reacted promptly.

Observers praise Solomons' vote but recommend changes, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the final conclusions of the electoral observation mission from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Solomon Islands. The observers concluded that the polling operations were carried out orderly and peacefully, but some changes should be made. The mission believes that a review of the electoral roll and extensive training of electoral officials is needed.

Solomons' political patry promises no vote buying in scramble for power, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article discusses the electoral platform of the newly emerged Independent Democratic Party in Solomon Islands. This party's officials announced that they will not engage in vote-buying. Allegations of vote-buying led to riots in the 2006 elections.

Democratic Party most dominant after Solomons' election, Radio New Zealand Internarional (2010)

This article discusses the initial results of the elections in the Solomon Islands. The party with most MPs in the Parliament turned out to be the Democratic Party, and wil probably have the numbers to form a government.

Results declared in all but one Solomon Islands seat, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting operations in Solomon Islands. The results have been released for 49 of the 50 constituencies and parties are already holding talks to form coalitions.

Lack of women elected in Solomons disappointing, Pacific Scoop (2010)

This article discusses the lack of women successfully elected in the Solomon Islands' Parliament. 25 women competed unsuccessfully, out of 509 candidates,. Chair of the New Zealand Parliamentarians’ group on Population and Development, Dr. Jackie Blue, believes that this happened because of culture attitudes and lack of financial resources.

Man dead in Solomon Is election violence, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

This article reports on the lasted incidents following the elections in Solomon Islands. The Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) reported on the killing of a man during the riots that broke out during the elections. In the last elections in 2006, violence broke out as well and the country was on the verge of a civil war.

Half of Solomons' MPs lose their seats, The Australian (2010)

This article discusses the results of the elections in the Solomon Islands. Half of all members of the Parliament lost their seats, and now the power balance has been changed. Political parties are currently holding coalition talks. All of the 25 female candidates failed to gain a seat: the Parliament will have to women representation.

Solomons party vows to stick to its principles in negotiations, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the negotiations to form a coalition government in the Solomon Islands. The new Independent Democratic Party declared to have the numbers to form a government with the Party for Rural Advancement, but it will take a little time to have the official coalitions.

Solomons' police say Honiara death not election related, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the investigation on the death of a man in Honiara. The Solomon Islands Police believe that this event is not related to the elections, as the press thought in the beginning. The Australia-led Regional Assistance Mission confirmed it shot the man, but the causes of death are still being investigated.

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission denies corruption claims, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission's response against accusations of corruption. Two defeated MPs denounced the improper registration process, which let people vote more than once. Supposedly, the Commission has no power to remove double registrations and the names of voters who passed away. The Commission replied that 400 international observers monitored the reported on this issue, but they did not consider this elections unfair.

Former Solomons MP says vote-buying happening in government negotiations, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the coalition talks in Solomon Islands. Former politician denounced "votebuying" and "horsetrading" that are supposedly taking place in the negotiations to form the government.

Solomon Islands' Democratic Party secures 14th seat, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting operation that are still being carried in the Solomon Islands. The Democratic Party won its 14th seats, finally becoming the most successful party in this year's elections.

Last seat in Solomon Islands poll delcared, Australia Network News (2010)

This article reports on the conclusion of the vote counting operations in the Solomon Islands. A week after the elections, the last seat was assigned to the winner, Martin Kealoe. The Democratic Party turnout to be the biggest party in the 50-seat Parliament.

Solomons' Prime Ministerial candidates revealed tomorrow, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article discusses the aftermath of the Solomon Islands elections. Parliament will meet for the first time next Wednesday. At the moment the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement and the Solomon Islands Democratic Party still have not announced the candidate to become Prime Minister (they form the largest group in the parliament).

Solomon Islands Prime Ministerial contenders named, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article reports on the nomination of the two candidates to become Prime Minister in the Solomon Islands: Danny Philip and Steve Abana The newly-elected 50-member Parliament will meet for the first time on Wednesday to elect the prime minister.

New Solomons MP dies, Australia Network News (2010)

This article reports on the death of Solomon Islands newly-elected Prime Minister, Steve Laore. According to the Solomon Island electoral law, a new member for Shortlands will have to elected in a by-election.

Party politics far from established in Solomons, say academic, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article comments Dr Jon Fraenkel's opinion on the political party system in Solomon Islands. According to Dr Fraenkel of the Australian National University’s College of Asia and the Pacific, party politics is still far from established in the country, and this would be proved by the difficulties in electing a Prime Minister.

Solomon Islands: UN Secretary General praises peaceful elections, The Solomon Times (2010)

This article reports on the statement made by the UN Secretary General on the elections in the Solomon Islands. The SG spokesperson stated that Ban Ki Moon has commended the people and the government of Solomon Islands for successfully carrying out the last elections. The UN assisted the Solomon Islands by coordinating the deployment of international observers.

Two more petitions filed against Solomons election results, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on another two petitions filed against the results of the recent elections in the Solomon Island. So far, three petitions have been filed regarding the results. The final deadline for citizens and candidates is September 15.

Solomon Islands: Election funds accounted for in record time, The Solomon Star (2010)

This article reports on post-elections period in Solomon Islands. Two months after the poll, the Electoral Commission settled all funds given to provinces to conduct the general election. Last week, the Electoral Commission was part of a provincial "election accountant’s lessons learned" workshop, which turned out to be very useful for the evaluation of finance management of the elections. In the past elections, the EC would settle the fund in a two years period.

Election petitions filed in Solomons High Court, Radio Australia (2010)

This article reports on the petitions against the results of the recent national elections in Solomon Islands. The three high court petitions were filed by losing candidates, and in at least one of those constituencies, officials reported vote-buying and voter intimidation. In one occasion, a candidate used superstition to convince people to vote for him, threatening disastrous events if they didn't. The Electoral Commission believes that petitions will be heard by the end of the year.

Record number of election petitions filed in Solomon Islands, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the election petitions received by the Solomon Islands Electoral Office. The petitions involve 18 out of the 50 newly elected members of parliament. The Chief electoral officer stated that most of these petitions attack the transparency and integrity of the voters list.

Spending limits for election candidates in Solomons likely to increase, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the Solomon Islands chief electoral officer's statement about the spending limit for candidates. According to the chief officer, Polycarp Haununu, the current spending limit (6,400$) is unrealistic, and led many candidates in the past elections to not disclose their expenditures.

Solomons Electoral Commission welcomes Commonwealth feedback, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article discusses the reports of the Commonwealth on the general elections in the Solomon Islands. The Electoral Commission welcomed the report from the Commonwealth, which also offered assistance for the planned electoral reform. The Commonwealth reported that the elections were well-organized, transparent and peaceful, and concludes with a series of recommendations for reform.

Doubt about Solomons coalition backing electoral reform, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the electoral reform being discussed in Solomon Islands. The government coalition proposes to review the voter registration and to introduce a law for political parties. The opposition, however, is very doubtful about their real intention: many MPs from this coalition rejected the electoral reform and political parties registration law presented by the former administration.

Solomons women welcome new policy direction, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the announcement of the Solomon Islands' women group about the new government policy paper on the introduction of reserved seats for women in the parliament. The document expresses the government's commitment to better gender representation. In this year's elections, no woman was elected.

Solomons by-election no threat to stability, says government, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the by-elections in the Solomon Islands. A spokesperson from the government stated that its majority is not threatened despite the by-elections (one minister pleaded guilty to assault and two MPs died).

Solomon Islanders journey to home electorates for landmark election, ABC News (2014)

 

Solomon Islanders vote in historic election, ABC Australia Plus (2014)

On 19 November 2014, citizens of Solomon Islands voted for the first time after the withdrawal of the military from the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.