Solomon Islands Election Hangs in the Balance Amid Ongoing Vote Count

Election in the Solomon Islands, closely watched by China and the U.S. for its impact on regional security, is turning out to be a close contest with opposition parties gaining ground and independent candidates holding the key to forming the next government.

Last week’s national election marked the first since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security agreement with China in 2022, aligning the Pacific nation more closely with Beijing. This move raised concerns for the U.S. and neighboring Australia regarding its potential impact on regional security.

As vote counting continues for several seats, preliminary results indicate that the opposition CARE coalition is tied with Sogavare’s OUR party, each holding 12 seats in the 50-seat parliament. Independents and small parties have secured 16 seats, and major parties will vie for independent support in negotiations this week to secure government formation.

The CARE coalition comprises Matthew Wale’s Solomon Islands Democratic Party, U4C, and the Democratic Alliance Party. Another notable opposition party, Peter Kenilorea Jr’s United Party, which pledged to revoke the security pact with China, has won seven seats.

According to a reliable source, two independent candidates joined the CARE coalition on Monday, potentially increasing its seat count to 16.

Former prime minister Gordon Darcy Lilo makes a comeback to parliament after a decade, representing the Party for Rural Advancement.

Daniel Suidani, former premier of Malaita province and a vocal critic of China, reclaimed his seat in the provincial assembly in Malaita. He expressed hopes that his party, U4C, would regain the premiership.

Provincial and national elections were held simultaneously.

Despite minor disturbances in Malaita by supporters of unsuccessful candidates, the election process overall remained peaceful, with assistance from police and defense forces from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

Sogavare’s office did not provide a comment.

In an interview with Solomon Islands’ Tavuli News on Monday, Sogavare promised significant reforms if his government is reelected.

Two women have entered parliament for the first time as independents.

With Inputs from Reuters