2019 Solomon Islands general election

General elections were held in Solomon Islands on 3 April 2019 to determine the composition of the 11th Parliament. The election was the first to occur since the conclusion of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in 2017. Parliament passed amendments to the electoral act in 2018 that included the introduction of pre-polling, a significant increase in campaign budgets for candidates and stricter penalties for individuals committing electoral offences such as vote-buying. Ten of the thirteen parties that contested the election won seats, and the Solomon Islands Democratic Party and the Kadere Party were the parties that secured the highest number, winning eight each. However, as in previous elections, independent candidates won the largest share of seats, securing 21.

2019 Solomon Islands general election

 2014
3 April 2019
2024 

All 50 seats in the National Parliament
26 seats needed for a majority
Turnout86.42% (Decrease 3.51pp)
Party Leader Vote % Seats +/–
Democratic Party Matthew Wale 13.64 8 New
United Party Peter Kenilorea Jr. 10.43 2 New
Kadere Party Peter Boyers 9.50 8 +7
United Democratic Thomas Ko Chan 8.16 4 −1
Democratic Alliance Rick Houenipwela 6.37 3 −4
People's Alliance Nathaniel Waena 6.00 2 −1
People First Jimmie Rodgers 3.69 1 0
SIPRA Gordon Darcy Lilo 3.18 1 0
Independents 36.52 21 −11
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
Results by constituency
Prime Minister before Prime Minister after
Rick Houenipwela
Democratic Alliance
Manasseh Sogavare
OUR Party

Two blocs emerged to attempt to form a government, including the Grand Coalition, with Mathew Wale as their candidate for prime minister. In contrast, the other bloc, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement, nominated Manasseh Sogavare to challenge Wale. Sogavare had previously served as prime minister three times; his previous stint ended in 2017 after he lost a no-confidence vote. Wale challenged Sogavare's bid in court, claiming he was ineligible to stand for prime minister, as he registered his Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party (OUR) after the election (Sogavare ran as an independent), in breach of the electoral act. The high court ordered the vote for the prime minister to be postponed on the day it was scheduled to occur on 24 April; however, citing the constitution, Governor-General Frank Kabui ordered the vote to proceed. The Grand Coalition boycotted the vote in protest while parliament elected Sogavare to a fourth non-consecutive premiership. The vote sparked frustration with much of the public and resulted in riots in Honiara. The high court later dismissed Wale's case against Sogavare, determining it to have been based on repealed laws.

Background

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Before the previous elections in 2014 Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo implemented biometric voter registration and voter identification cards to prevent individuals from voting multiple times. Two-thirds of the elected candidates were independents, winning 32 seats. Six different parties won the other 18 seats; the Democratic Alliance Party emerged with the most, securing seven seats. Five candidates of the United Democratic Party were successful, while three members of the People's Alliance Party were victorious. Three other parties, the Kadere Party, People First Party and the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Development, each won a single seat. Only one female candidate, Freda Soria Comua, was successful and became only the third woman elected to parliament in the country's history.[1][2] In an upset, Prime Minister Lilo lost his seat.[3]

Following the elections, negotiations on forming a government commenced. Independent MP Manasseh Sogavare, who previously served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, formed the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC), which included the Kadere Party, United Democratic Party and numerous independents. Sogavare established the DCC to form a government, and on 9 December parliament elected him to a third non-consecutive term as prime minister, defeating first-term MP Jeremiah Manele.[1][4]

In June 2017, the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands concluded operations in the country, the deployment of which was in response to ethnic violence that occurred from 1998 to 2003 and the resulting instability.[5]

In October 2017 nine cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga, and several backbenchers defected to the opposition, citing an unease with Sogavare's nephew and chief of staff, Robson Djokovic's alleged undue influence in government affairs. They also claimed that the prime minister ignored them on policy issues and that he had strayed from the coalition's initial goals.[6] On 6 November Sogavare lost a vote of no-confidence filed by the opposition, which was also how his previous stint as prime minister ended.[7] Parliament elected former Finance Minister Rick Houenipwela on 15 November to succeed Sogavare.[8]

Electoral system

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The governor-general must schedule a general election to take place within four months of the dissolution of parliament. The nomination period commences the day after the announcement of the election date and concludes 42 days before the poll. The period for campaigning begins on the day of the proclamation of the polling date and ceases the day before the election.[9] The 50 members of the National Parliament were elected in single-member constituencies using first-past-the-post voting. Candidates had to be at least 21 years old and resident in the constituency in which they ran. Disqualifications included holding dual citizenship, being executives or members of the Electoral Commission, having an undischarged bankruptcy, being imprisoned for more than six months, or being under a death sentence.[10] Candidates running as members of a registered political party were not permitted to change their affiliation after the confirmation of their nomination; unless they withdrew and filed their candidacy again.[9] The 2018 electoral act raised the non-refundable nomination fee from SI$2000 to SI$5000 in an attempt to lower the number of candidates, especially "shadow candidates" who ran with the sole purpose of splitting votes to benefit other contestants. The electoral commission argued that with fewer candidates, the victor would gain a more decisive mandate.[11]

Voters

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Voters had to be at least 18 years old and hold Solomon Islands citizenship. Overseas residents could not vote, and people were disqualified from voting if they had committed a breach of the electoral law, been declared insane, been imprisoned for more than six months, or were under a death sentence.[10] A total of 359,523 Solomon Islanders registered to vote in the elections.[12] The 2018 electoral act introduced pre-polling, which was open to polling staff and police officers that were to going to provide security for voting centres on election day.[13]

Parties and candidates

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A total of 333 candidates were nominated to contest the election; 171 were affiliates of a party, and 162 were independents. There were only 26 female candidates, a similar number to elections in the previous 20 years. Although the number of female voters has usually been equal to male voters, few women have run in past elections due to biases such as a perception that women's influence should not extend beyond domestic duties.[14] Thirteen parties competed; however, parties in the Solomon Islands have tended to be personality-based, small, with limited organisation, and often lacking a clear ideology. Two candidates registered and campaigned as members of a party; however, disputes arose regarding proof of their affiliation. One candidate, Mark Kemakeza, campaigned as a member of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP). However, the SIDP denied Kemakeza was an affiliate of the party and filed a complaint with the electoral commission, resulting in Kemakeza's disqualification in March 2019, decreasing the candidate total to 332.[15][16]

Party Leader Candidates 2014 result Ref(s).
Vote % Seats
United Democratic Party Thomas Ko Chan 18 10.72%
5 / 50
[17][18][19]
Democratic Alliance Party Rick Houenipwela 23 7.78%
7 / 50
[17][18][20]
Kadere Party Peter Boyers 13 4.67%
1 / 50
[17][18][21]
People First Party Jimmie Rodgers 17 4.51%
1 / 50
[17][18][22]
People's Alliance Party Nathaniel Waena 21 4.44%
3 / 50
[17][18][23]
Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement Gordon Darcy Lilo 10 3.90%
1 / 50
[17][18][24][25]
National Transformation Party Ellison Bako 7 2.85%
0 / 50
[17][18][26]
Pan Melanesian Congress Party Martin Matai 3 2.11%
0 / 50
[17][18][27]
New Nation Party N/a 2 0.31%
0 / 50
[17][18]
People's Progressive Party Charles Dausabea 3 0.24%
0 / 50
[17][18][28]
Solomon Islands Democratic Party Matthew Wale 22 N/a N/a [17][29]
Solomon Islands United Party Peter Kenilorea Jr. 29 N/a N/a [17][30]
Green Party Solomon Islands Ernest Kolly 3 N/a N/a [17][31]
Independents N/a 162 56.27%
32 / 50
[17][18]

Campaign

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As in other Melanesian countries, "money politics", which refers to candidates engaging in vote buying and political gifting, have historically featured heavily throughout campaign seasons in the Solomon Islands. To combat this practice, amendments in the 2018 electoral act implemented stricter penalties, including a SI$50,000 fine and a 15-year prison sentence. The electoral commission conducted an awareness campaign in the lead-up to the election, highlighting the consequences of engaging in this practice.[32] The 2018 amendments also increased the maximum campaign budget for candidates from SI$50,000 to SI$500,000 and, in turn, featured lavish spending from some contestants. Leadership quality, good governance and the economy were some of the most common issues many candidates focused on.[33]

The Solomon Islands' diplomatic relations with Taiwan were frequently debated during the campaign. Numerous candidates, such as former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, advocated for severing ties with Taiwan and establishing diplomatic relations with China due to the growing trade between the Solomon Islands and the latter. Despite having no formal diplomatic links, China had already become the Solomon Islands' largest export market. Incumbent Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela pledged a review of ties with Taipei if his government remained in power, although he clarified it did not mean a switch was inevitable.[34][35] In late March, the Island Sun reported that an unidentified party negotiated secretly with Chinese officials, promising to establish relations with Beijing in exchange for money.[36]

The campaign season concluded on 2 April, when the country's first campaign blackout period began, which from that day to the end of the election, barred campaigning and the public display of campaign material. The blackout was implemented by amendments in 2018; in previous polls, the night before polling day was known as the "devil's night" which would reportedly see an uptick in numerous candidates engaging in bribery and treating to secure last-minute votes.[37][38]

Conduct

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The dissolution of the 10th Parliament occurred on 16 December 2018,[39] and Governor-General Frank Kabui announced the election date on 5 February 2019.[40] Pre-polling occurred on 21 March from 7:00 to 17:00 (UTC+11).[13] Shortly before the election, the Electoral Commission launched two apps that assist voters in finding their polling stations and where they could search for their identification number.[41]

Australian and New Zealand defence forces provided contingency logistics support before and during the elections, including approximately 300 personnel, HMAS Melville, and six support helicopters. Observers included New Zealand observer groups in three constituencies, Australian observer groups in fourteen constituencies, and Australian National University researchers and observers in fifteen constituencies.[42]

Days before the election, allegations surfaced of candidates threatening voters if they did not vote for them, which Police Commissioner Matthew Varley condemned.[43] On election day, polling stations were open from 7:00 to 17:00 (UTC+11),[44] although voters who were waiting in line before closing time but had not yet cast their ballots were allowed to vote.[45] An alcohol ban was in force on election day and during the counting period,[43] and over a thousand police officers were deployed around the country.[46] Some polling stations were reportedly too small, leading to overcrowding and a lack of privacy for voters. While the election was mostly orderly and peaceful, observer delegations noted the presence of irregularities, with some voters' names missing from electoral lists at polling centres.[44] Unlike past elections, once voting concluded, ballot boxes were transported to the capital Honiara where the vote counting occurred.[47] Fears of violence led the police force to be on alert as the results were being announced and also prompted the police commissioner to prohibit victory parades.[48][49]

Results

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Eight parties won seats, none of which secured a majority. The Solomon Islands Democratic Party and the Kedare Party emerged as the largest parties, with eight seats each, and 21 independents were victorious.[11] As in the 2014 election, most incumbents won re-election; of the 48 who contested, 13 lost their seats, including former Prime Ministers Derek Sikua and Snyder Rini.[50] Two women, both incumbents, were elected. One of whom, Lanelle Tanangada, who won her seat in a 2018 by-election, narrowly defeated former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo for a second time.[51] Turnout exceeded 80% in most constituencies.[52]

PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Solomon Islands Democratic Party42,24513.648New
Solomon Islands United Party32,30210.432New
Kadere Party29,4219.508+7
United Democratic Party25,2938.164–1
Democratic Alliance Party19,7206.373–4
People's Alliance Party18,5736.002–1
People First Party11,4193.6910
Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement9,8633.1810
National Transformation Party4,6221.4900
Pan Melanesian Congress Party1,5060.4900
Green Party Solomon Islands6190.200New
New Nation Party5910.1900
People's Progressive Party4810.1600
Independents113,14236.5221–11
Total309,797100.00500
Valid votes309,79799.71
Invalid/blank votes9020.29
Total votes310,699100.00
Registered voters/turnout359,52386.42
Source: SIEC,[18] Solomon Islands Election Resources[53]

By constituency

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Results by constituency
ConstituencyElectorateCandidatePartyVotes%Notes
Aoke/Langalanga8,841Mathew Cooper WaleSolomon Islands Democratic Party3,71246.85Re-elected
Vincent Talauburi AnisiKadere Party2,77034.96
David FaradatoloIndependent1,43118.06
Rejected votes100.13
Baegu/Asifola10,943Tagini MakarioUnited Democratic Party3,02831.58Elected
David TomePeople's Alliance Party2,57226.83Unseated
Robert IrogaSolomon Islands United Party1,78518.62
Gabriel Kwanae SuriSolomon Islands Democratic Party1,68517.58
George Taloga SuriIndependent4704.90
Elijah AsilauaIndependent90.09
Rejected votes380.40
Central Guadalcanal8,150Peter Shanel AgovakaIndependent3,58447.48Re-elected
Walton NaezonSolomon Islands United Party2,97839.45
Peter Isaac QotsoIndependent91112.07
Silas AnesaiaIndependent220.29
Jacobeth Vari ManeiriaDemocratic Alliance Party200.26
Rejected votes340.45
Central Honiara15,986John Moffat FuguiUnited Democratic Party4,02833.66Re-elected
Alfred EfonaIndependent2,94024.57
Frank AoteePeople First Party2,34919.63
Joseph DouglasIndependent8146.80
Hendry Ologa OlobenIndependent7506.27
Julie Gegeu HaroSolomon Islands United Party3002.51
Moon Pin QuanIndependent2031.70
Eric Moses TemaIndependent1471.23
Billy MaeIndependent1261.05
Sam Lidimani AlasiaPeople's Alliance Party920.77
Edward RoniaNew Nation Party650.54
Johnny MaetiaIndependent510.43
Gary FaaitoaIndependent270.23
Rose Annie AnilabataIndependent260.22
Cathrine AdifakaIndependent110.09
Percy ElimaNational Transformation Party90.08
Rejected votes280.23
Central Kwara'Ae8,458Jackson FiulauaIndependent3,20042.45Re-elected
Ben BauSolomon Islands Democratic Party2,76036.61
David DiosiSolomon Islands United Party1,13415.04
Alick HagiPeople's Progressive Party1351.79
Alick MaeabaDemocratic Alliance Party1331.76
Silas AuramoIndependent971.29
Clera Gore RikimaniPeople First Party500.66
Johnson Senior LucasIndependent80.11
Rejected votes210.28
Central Makira6,299Nestor GhiroIndependent3,80370.20Re-elected
Peter Thompson UsumaeUnited Democratic Party1,41926.20
Hypolite TaremaeIndependent1522.81
Casper MunaDemocratic Alliance Party290.54
Rejected votes140.26
East ꞌAreꞌare7,582Peter Kenilorea JuniorSolomon Islands United Party4,20060.15Elected
Andrew Manepora'aKadere Party2,75439.44Unseated
Michael TokiiIndependent180.26
Rejected votes110.16
East Central Guadalcanal6,953Ishmael Mali AvuiKadere Party3,18750.23Re-elected
Lazarus Alfred RimahIndependent2,60341.02
Reuben TovutovuPeople's Alliance Party5017.90
James ManebosaIndependent430.68
Rejected votes110.17
East Choiseul3,802Mannaseh SogavareIndependent1,86059.27Re-elected
Ezra KukutiSolomon Islands United Party75524.06
James Ron KabokePeople First Party48515.46
Loloma PabuluIndependent190.61
Danson TanitoSolomon Islands Democratic Party150.48
Rejected votes40.13
East Guadalcanal6,640Bradley TovosiaIndependent3,98567.86Re-elected
Timothy ManepuriaSolomon Islands Democratic Party1,48425.27
Benedict TovaUnited Democratic Party1121.91
Patrick Junior SavusiIndependent981.67
Selestino SolosaiaSolomon Islands United Party871.48
Tobias VerabolaIndependent781.33
Rejected votes280.48
East Honiara15,445Douglas EteSolomon Islands Democratic Party5,71047.91Re-elected
Ellison BakoNational Transformation Party2,55221.41
John KaboloPan Melanesian Congress Party1,44712.14
Andrew Hanaria KeniasinaSolomon Islands United Party6945.82
Redley RaramoDemocratic Alliance Party6745.66
Joyce KonofiliaPeople First Party4433.72
Micheal MaeliauIndependent1651.38
Walter FolotaluSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement1331.12
Casper Joseph Fa'AsalaPeople's Alliance Party720.60
Robert MaemaeIndependent20.02
Rejected votes250.21
East Kwaio7,536Stanley Festus SofuIndependent3,94961.27Re-elected
Alfred Solomon SasakoUnited Democratic Party1,53223.77
Philip Junior IkaSolomon Islands United Party4947.66
Francis SisimiaDemocratic Alliance Party2233.46
Diki Joses KolosuIndependent1281.99
Rejected votes1191.85
East Makira8,453Charles Jordan MaefaiIndependent3,74051.02Elected
Alfred GhiroSolomon Islands Democratic Party1,45819.89Unseated
Benedict TahiIndependent4606.28
Emilio WeguIndependent4275.83
Frank WetaraSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement3294.49
Martin Micah KaraniUnited Democratic Party2893.94
Merry Doris KitaDemocratic Alliance Party2323.17
Henry PerongoIndependent1421.94
Golden KaeaIndependent1411.92
Fox H QwainaPeople First Party921.26
Rejected votes200.27
East Malaita6,121Manasseh MaelangaPeople's Alliance Party2,96656.26Re-elected
William BaefuaSolomon Islands United Party1,24723.65
Roy Jahdiel FunuNew Nation Party5269.98
Evan GereaDemocratic Alliance Party2584.89
Finley FiumaeIndependent2204.17
Rejected votes551.04
Fataleka7,139Rexon Annex RamofafiaSolomon Islands United Party2,62841.08Elected
Steve William AbanaDemocratic Alliance Party1,77727.77Unseated
Moffat RamofafiaPeople First Party93814.66
Luke ManiIndependent3956.17
Allen Joses BaeSolomon Islands Democratic Party3265.10
Elison LadeNational Transformation Party1902.97
Felix Laumae KabiniIndependent1181.84
Ross SiosiIndependent130.20
Rejected votes130.20
Gao/Bugotu5,543Samuel ManetoaliKadere Party2,46750.93Re-elected
Adrian ToniDemocratic Alliance Party1,10222.75
Daniel Tanochoki SioIndependent4649.58
Wilson Karamui BugotuIndependent3086.36
Allan Kaihe Kilovunagi TavakeSolomon Islands United Party2084.29
Ernest KollyGreen Party Solomon Islands1683.47
Dereck Kolinahiga KodoIndependent1212.50
Rejected votes60.12
Gizo/Kolombangara10,527Lanelle Olandrea TanangadaKadere Party4,39751.54Re-elected
Gordon Darcy LiloSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement4,00246.91
John HopaIndependent1031.21
Rejected votes300.35
Hograno/Kia/Havulei6,910Jeremiah ManeleDemocratic Alliance Party4,56873.46Re-elected
Selwyn RiumanaUnited Democratic Party1,56525.17
Nelson KilePeople's Alliance Party781.25
Rejected votes70.11
Lau/Mbaelelea10,955Maeue Augustine AugaIndependent4,72849.10Re-elected
Harry PhilipUnited Democratic Party2,46725.62
Lawinter Kaleasi Ki'ISolomon Islands United Party6817.07
Frank Konairara TabaiPeople First Party6286.52
Tony MakaboPeople's Alliance Party6256.49
Erick GeorgeIndependent4254.41
Judson Lee LeafasiaIndependent500.52
Stephenson OtainaoIndependent40.04
Rejected votes220.23
Malaita Outer Islands3,142Martin KealoeSolomon Islands Democratic Party1,21943.90Re-elected
Leslie Tarzan HolosiviIndependent73726.54
Clay Hugo KahanoIndependent53719.34
Edward KolohaiIndependent1615.80
Wendy Vahoe AmangongoIndependent1063.82
Steward Polycarp NoholiaPeople's Alliance Party70.25
Benjamin KemailiIndependent20.07
Rejected votes80.29
Maringe/Kokota5,893Culwick TogamanaDemocratic Alliance Party2,46246.06Re-elected
Cathy Launa NoriIndependent1,75632.85
John Perakana PalmerIndependent77114.42
Varian LonameiIndependent2815.26
Dickson GoramanaIndependent390.73
Redle'e AusopaGreen Party Solomon Islands330.62
Rejected votes30.06
Marovo10,555Chachabule Rebi AmoiPeople First Party5,61959.23Elected
Snyder RiniUnited Democratic Party3,76639.70Unseated
Atabani TahuIndependent840.89
Rejected votes180.19
Nggela10,322Bartholomew ParapoloKadere Party2,51126.03Re-elected
Choylin Yim DouglasIndependent2,12222.00
John Selwyn VasuniIndependent1,60316.62
John KouniPeople's Alliance Party1,49315.48
Kenneth SagupariSolomon Islands United Party1,00510.42
Joseph HagiIndependent3233.35
Charles Fox MekeIndependent3093.20
Stephen WatsonIndependent2352.44
Fredrick Noel DouglasIndependent290.30
Rejected votes150.16
North East Guadalcanal5,168Jamie Lency VokiaIndependent1,83538.54Elected
Derek SikuaSolomon Islands Democratic Party1,62934.22Unseated
Desmond Nimepo NoruaIndependent97320.44
Henry TobaniIndependent2956.20
Alfred Manengelea LovanitilaIndependent290.61
North Guadalcanal6,150Samson ManekaSolomon Islands Democratic Party2,32041.24Re-elected
Martin SopageSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement1,08019.20
John KereaIndependent90316.05
Benedict Parataboa GarimaneSolomon Islands United Party4538.05
Stephen PangaIndependent3556.31
Wilson TathadaenaNational Transformation Party2714.82
Everlyn Thugea TautaiDemocratic Alliance Party821.46
Barbi Mane GhaveaIndependent811.44
Gwen RatuPan Melanesian Congress Party410.73
Daniel Sade TaraiIndependent260.46
Rejected votes140.25
North Malaita8,052Levi Senley FilualeaIndependent2,69838.84Elected
Jimmy LusibaeaPeople's Alliance Party2,47535.63Unseated
Glen Waneta AlifeoIndependent1,56422.52
Agnes Gaote'EIndependent981.41
Tommy TagiliIndependent811.17
George SenisiIndependent120.17
Fredrick KwanairaraSolomon Islands United Party70.10
Rejected votes110.16
North New Georgia3,975John Deane KukuIndependent2,26763.91Re-elected
Dewin AlickSolomon Islands United Party1,21334.20
Kenneth George NginabuleIndependent591.66
Rejected votes80.23
North Vella Lavella4,606Clezy RoreUnited Democratic Party2,23254.64Elected
Milner TozakaPeople's Alliance Party1,83644.94Unseated
Alex Gina KivolynPeople First Party70.17
Rejected votes100.24
North West Choiseul6,816Harry KumaIndependent2,94851.29Elected
Connelly SadakabatuDemocratic Alliance Party2,51443.74Unseated
Hensol Siribau KikoIndependent1983.44
Eunice PalataSolomon Islands Democratic Party811.41
Rejected votes70.12
North West Guadalcanal6,565Horst Heinz Bodo DettkeSolomon Islands Democratic Party3,02152.09Re-elected
Albert FonoSolomon Islands United Party2,28839.45
Allan KemakezaIndependent4307.41
Sophia Munamua ChonicPan Melanesian Congress Party180.31
Rejected votes430.74
Ranongga/Simbo5,557Charles SigotoSolomon Islands Democratic Party2,59257.37Re-elected
Justin MutukeraSolomon Islands United Party1,85140.97
Jimmy StanleyPeople First Party681.51
Rejected votes70.15
Rennell/Bellona3,563Tautai Agikimua Kaitu'uIndependent83727.67Re-elected
Seth Tegea GukunaDemocratic Alliance Party57819.11
Anthony Tahua TamaikaIndependent50216.60
Tesua MuakitangataPeople's Alliance Party47115.57
Collin Singamoana Tesu'AtaiIndependent36312.00
Adrian TuhanukuIndependent2718.96
Rejected votes30.10
Russells/Savo7,098Dickson Mua PanakitasiIndependent2,02731.96Re-elected
Oliver SalopukaKadere Party1,92430.34
John Hugo BauloIndependent1,03416.30
Tome Faemane TarasisioIndependent71811.32
John TalunagoNational Transformation Party3134.94
John Peter TinoniIndependent941.48
Derick PepereSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement901.42
Michael KemadikaUnited Democratic Party841.32
Francis Otainao IroIndependent180.28
Buddy Wickhams No'AmasahuDemocratic Alliance Party110.17
Cypriano NuakePeople First Party70.11
Jay Timi RhobinsonIndependent20.03
Rejected votes200.32
Shortland3,293Christopher LaorePeople's Alliance Party1,97867.62Re-elected
Caroline Laore GoraeDemocratic Alliance Party93832.07
Steve Jerrad LaoreIndependent60.21
Saeda IraviriIndependent00.00
Rejected votes30.10
Small Malaita8,053Rick HouenipwelaDemocratic Alliance Party2,30233.55Re-elected
William HaomaeSolomon Islands United Party1,76225.68
Chris WateUnited Democratic Party1,60023.32
John Patteson NgalihesiPeople's Alliance Party72510.57
Edwin Aldrin AwaoliPeople First Party3815.55
Abednigo MaeohuIndependent721.05
Rejected votes200.29
South Choiseul6,575Robertson Erere GalokaleIndependent99919.06Elected
Tozen LeokanaSolomon Islands United Party96518.41
Jackson KiloeIndependent74214.16
Bavare Philip PitakoeIndependent72513.83
Baoro Laxton KorauaDemocratic Alliance Party70413.43
Elizah Doro MualaIndependent4718.99Unseated
Nanette Anne TutuaIndependent2264.31
Christopher Tauro RabauaIndependent1703.24
David DevaIndependent1312.50
Bouriki TanianaIndependent571.09
Johnson Pita SokeniIndependent420.80
Jerry PakivaiPeople's Progressive Party50.10
Rejected votes40.08
South Guadalcanal7,129Rollen SelesoSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement3,10447.79Elected
David Day PachaSolomon Islands Democratic Party2,57439.63Unseated
Heinz KongaIndependent75711.66
Francis Peter ParaUnited Democratic Party370.57
Victor AlikivaraIndependent10.02
Rejected votes220.34
South New Georgia/Rendova/Tetepari4,274Danny PhilipUnited Democratic Party1,57743.88Re-elected
Jonathan Zama AqaraoIndependent75020.87
George Solingi LiloIndependent74220.65
Stephen RoniIndependent51714.39
Rejected votes80.22
South Vella Lavella5,985Frederick KologetoIndependent2,93255.30Elected
Lional AlexSolomon Islands Democratic Party2,35144.34Unseated
Rejected votes190.36
Temotu Nende6,239Commins Aston MewaKadere Party1,57931.35Re-elected
Walter KolaSolomon Islands United Party84716.82
Andrew Issac NaluaUnited Democratic Party4609.13
Nelson Omar MenalePeople's Alliance Party4468.86
Simon Peter MelauNational Transformation Party4308.54
Ruddy Schlieffen OtiGreen Party Solomon Islands4188.30
Gabriel Metanen TeaoIndependent3366.67
Mabel NumoIndependent2535.02
Maxwell BanyoIndependent2474.90
Rejected votes200.40
Temotu Pele5,061Duddley KopuIndependent1,71043.72Re-elected
James BonungaSolomon Islands Democratic Party1,49038.10
Drummond Tupe VaeaSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement2396.11
David PalapuIndependent2325.93
Douglas YeeDemocratic Alliance Party1142.91
Alfred Apela ToakiPeople's Alliance Party350.89
Michael MainaIndependent280.72
William Christopher ToleiIndependent250.64
Luke LaekiIndependent190.49
Nelly Mabulou NoriPeople First Party100.26
Patrick TeikamattaIndependent10.03
Rejected votes80.20
Temotu Vatud3,565Freda Ab Tuki Soria ComuaKadere Party1,34447.09Elected
Andrew MuaIndependent77026.98
Chris Ashley PattyIndependent33911.88
Ezekiel Prians TamoaIndependent1053.68
Clay Forau SoalaoiSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement762.66
Mary AlaloDemocratic Alliance Party592.07
Giles Brunox ForauIndependent471.65
Timon SinavaPeople's Alliance Party441.54
Noel AisaIndependent431.51
Sam Affirua TarivasaIndependent130.46
Mike TiritiSolomon Islands United Party80.28
Thomas Tofakifenua NukuafiUnited Democratic Party10.04
Rejected votes50.18
Ulawa/Ugi4,033Willie Braford MarauKadere Party1,77852.19Re-elected
George TakeliIndependent47613.97
Billy TitiuluSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement44813.15
Frederick Isom RohoruaIndependent2778.13
James Takingarasimatawa ToraDemocratic Alliance Party2126.22
Polycarp HaununuPeople's Alliance Party1183.46
Robert Henry RataIndependent792.32
Stanley MaetaohaSolomon Islands United Party160.47
Rejected votes30.09
West ꞌAreꞌare6,304John ManeniaruKadere Party3,22355.77Re-elected
Peter Chanel RamohiaSolomon Islands United Party2,51843.57
Slade Waiwaki EhakeniIndependent290.50
Rejected votes90.16
West Guadalcanal7,359Anthony Kamu VekeIndependent4,40762.50Elected
Moses GaruSolomon Islands Democratic Party2,56436.36Unseated
Selina BerahPeople First Party460.65
Rejected votes340.48
West Honiara10,477Namson TranIndependent5,68366.10Re-elected
James ApaniaiNational Transformation Party8579.97
Selwyn AkaoIndependent6807.91
John KwaitaSolomon Islands United Party6617.69
Ellen Inahia MaruarofaSolomon Islands Democratic Party6217.22
Peter ForauPeople First Party640.74
Rejected votes320.37
West Kwaio6,234Titus FikaIndependent1,69730.50Elected
John DaufanamaeIndependent83815.06
Jackson GegeUnited Democratic Party69912.56
Graham Tom Ete'OmeaIndependent63211.36
Michael MaesugeaDemocratic Alliance Party61311.02
Rinaldo AleadaloIndependent2955.30
Joseph Primo BaetolingiaIndependent2774.98
Alfred AfeauIndependent1703.06
John Daubo TafiiruSolomon Islands United Party911.64
John Girifi'OnaIndependent811.46
Fred Nguiburi SaegaIndependent801.44
Robert HouramoIndependent360.65
Patricia Mae DalluPeople First Party140.25
Bobby KellyIndependent140.25
Willy TharetoonaIndependent70.13
Harry Sinau TobiIndependent20.04
Rejected votes180.32
West Kwara'Ae9,674Sam Shemuel IduriSolomon Islands Democratic Party1,99622.98Re-elected
Alfred J. M. TuasuliaIndependent1,60818.52
Clement Koba'a OikaliKadere Party1,44016.58
Davidson NwaeramoSolomon Islands United Party1,39416.05
Bernard GalePeople's Alliance Party1,34915.53
Francis LomoIndependent4875.61
Charles DausabeaPeople's Progressive Party3413.93
Robert LafisiPeople First Party560.64
Rejected votes130.15
West Makira7,140Derick Rawcliff Manu'ariSolomon Islands Democratic Party2,63743.47Re-elected
Matthew Ha'asuramo TaroPeople's Alliance Party69011.37
Elsie Maesui DirimaeIndependent64010.55
Jackson SunaoneIndependent5188.54
Tommy ManaUnited Democratic Party3976.54
Robert Abeniha'a ChowSolomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement3625.97
Dick Inoana Ha'amoriIndependent2403.96
Lloyd TahaniPeople First Party1622.67
Gideon Suharahu RowDemocratic Alliance Party1151.90
Presley AridariuIndependent821.35
Kennedy HodaIndependent791.30
JR Solomon MamaloniKadere Party470.77
John Ta'AruIndependent340.56
Peter Mcdonald BaewaiSolomon Islands United Party320.53
Japhet WaiporaIndependent170.28
Rejected votes140.23
West New Georgia/Vona Vona8,383Silas Kerry Vaqara TausingaIndependent1,88727.86Re-elected
George TemahuaIndependent1,58223.35
Mamu Hebala PazaIndependent1,15517.05
Billy VeoIndependent92413.64
Dickson KaehunaIndependent5387.94
Francis John ZamaIndependent4336.39
Calvin ZiruIndependent2483.66
Rejected votes70.10

Aftermath

edit
Manasseh Sogavare was elected to a fourth non-consecutive term as prime minister

Following the election, negotiations to form a government commenced. Two blocs emerged to compete to take the reins of government. One bloc, the Grand Coalition, was composed of the United Democratic Party, the Solomon Islands Democratic Party and the Solomon Islands United Party. The Grand Coalition initially announced that Peter Kenilorea Jr. would be the bloc's candidate for prime minister but ended up nominating Matthew Wale. The Grand Coalition did not explain why they ultimately settled on Wale.[54] Former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare relaunched the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party (OUR Party) shortly after the election,[55] which, along with the Kadere, People First and Democratic Alliance parties, formed the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA).[56] Sogavare was the DCGA bloc's nominee for prime minister.[54]

Wale filed a lawsuit challenging Sogavare's candidacy, claiming he was ineligible to stand for prime minister because he registered his party after the election, a breach of electoral law.[57][58] Governor-General Frank Kabui scheduled the election for the prime minister to occur on 24 April.[59] Amid fears of violence, police officers were deployed around parliament.[60] The police commission also denied a request by a youth group to protest the prime minister's election.[61] The courts issued an injunction to parliament shortly before the scheduled poll, ordering the postponement of the vote. However, utilising the privilege of immunity from the courts, Governor-General Kabui instructed the vote to proceed.[62] Kabui stated that his decision was following the constitution, which grants the governor-general the final decision over any disputes regarding the election of the head of government.[63] In response, Wale and the 14 other members of the Grand Coalition boycotted the vote. Parliament elected Sogavare to a fourth non-consecutive term as prime minister; he received 35 votes, although one was spoilt.[64] Wale subsequently became the opposition leader.[63] Sogavare's return to the premiership sparked riots in Honiara due to public dissatisfaction over the prime minister's election and the lack of involvement citizens had with the government formation.[65][66] In late May, the courts dismissed Sogavare's eligibility case; Chief Justice Albert Palmer stated that the late party registration referenced repealed laws, while the case against the governor-general's decision referred to a law that conflicted with the constitution. Palmer also commented that it was not the court's job to fix deficient legislation.[57]

The first convention of the 11th Parliament occurred on 15 May.[67] That day, the new parliament elected former cabinet minister Patteson Oti, who had most recently served as high commissioner to Fiji, as speaker.[68] Sogavare's OUR Party saw numerous MPs join and by November 2019 the party had gained a decisive majority in parliament, occupying 32 seats.[69]

See also

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References

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Bibliography

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