SOLOMON Islands estimated 400,000 registered voters will go to the poll on Wednesday 17th April this year, according to insiders.
The date was approved by a recent meeting of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission [SIEC], it was confirmed yesterday.
According to the timetable for electioneering activities, believed to have been sent to Government House, the Governor General is due to make the declaration for the election day on February 20th – just two and a half weeks from now.
Under the law, the Governor-General must schedule a general election to take place within four months of the dissolution of parliament. The 11th Parliament was dissolved on 31st December 2023.
Accordingly, 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, according to published reports.
Nomination fees to contest the election remain at $5,000 per candidate. Nomination fees for the provincial elections are $2,500 to be on par with the Honiara City Council nomination fees.
In 2019, a total of 359,522 Solomon Islanders registered to vote, an increase of 72,000 voters compared to the 2014 elections. Newer registrants have raised the number over and above the 2019 figures.
In terms of candidates, a total of 332 contested the 2019 election – 171 were affiliates of a party and 162 contested the elections as Independents. Thirteen parties competed.
The trend for women candidates is expected to remain unchanged. In 2019, there were only 26 female candidates, although the number of female voters has usually been equaled to the male voters.
Although many women and men would have liked to contest the 2024 national general elections, it appears the nation’s economic downturn has dampened their enthusiasm.
This may mean fewer candidates of both genders will contest this year’s election.
By Alfred Sasako
