A total of 443 have been nominated to contest the November 19 National General Election.
Solomon Islands Electoral Commission revealed this at the close of the withdrawal period at 4pm.
However, the commission said the number may be subject to change after any notices of withdrawal of candidates are processed.
Candidates had until 4pm yesterday to withdraw their nominations.
The 443 candidates was a drop from the 509 that contested the last elections in 2010.
Chief electoral office Polycarp Haununu said the nomination process has been conducted in a highly efficient and professional manner.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our Electoral Managers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers for their hard work during the nomination period,” Haununu said.
The constituency of Temotu Pele has the most candidates set to contest the election with 23 candidates nominated.
East Choiseul, South Vella La Vella and Ulawa/Ugi constituencies have the fewest candidates, each with three candidates nominated.
Haununu said preparations for the election are progressing well.
“Our officers have been out in the field over the last few days, helping the Assistant Registration Officers in each constituency prepare to conduct election awareness talks at the village level,” he said.
Haununu said the Electoral Commission’s awareness programme is set to begin in all 50 constituencies on Monday.
Full list of candidates will be published this week.
BY BRADFORD THEONOMI
