Solomon Islands: General elections set for April 3

Event

The Solomon Islands will hold general elections on Wednesday, April 3, with 333 candidates running for 50 seats in parliament. Heightened security measures will be implemented across the country during the vote, including an alcohol ban. According to Police Commissioner Matthew Varley, the ban may be extended during the vote counting period. Individuals are also prohibited from bringing smart phone and other mobile devices into polling stations, as well as taking pictures inside the stations. Business disruptions are expected throughout the country, including in the capital Honiara, where the Central Market will be closed. Election-related violence is possible on Wednesday and after the results are released.

Context

This year’s election will be the first in the Solomon Islands since the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) left in 2017 and since the new Electoral Act was passed in 2018.

Advice

Individuals in the Solomon Islands are advised to monitor the situation, avoid public political demonstrations due to the risk of violence, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions on April 3, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.