Friday, May 3 2024 | Time 15:18 Hrs(IST)
image
World


Solomon Islands voters flock to polls for parliamentary election

Solomon Islands voters flock to polls for parliamentary election

Honiara, Apr 17 (UNI) Voters in the Solomon Islands on Wednesday flocked to cast their ballots in the parliamentary election of the South Pacific island country.
The voting has been peaceful, even in highly contested constituencies such as Fataleka Constituency and Ward 5 in West Fataleka.
The polling day in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, saw an impressive turnout as voters enthusiastically exercised their democratic rights.
Residents flowed to the polling stations, eager to participate in the electoral process. For many, like first-time voter Samson, participating in the election was a significant moment.
Despite feeling a bit nervous, Samson expressed his joy at being able to contribute to the selection of a legislator who will represent him and his community in the parliament for the next four years.

A total of 334 candidates are vying for 50 seats in the parliamentary election. Party-affiliated candidates outnumber independent candidates by 219 to 115.
Thirteen political parties are contesting the election of the national parliament.
Voters cast their ballots in a joint election, encompassing both national and provincial elections.
A total of 816 candidates are contending for positions in the provincial assemblies and 89 for the Honiara City Council.
At the West Honiara St John polling area, voters were efficiently managed across four stations, ensuring a smooth voting experience for all. Each station accommodated between 300 and 500 voters, further facilitating the process.
Despite minor instances of confusion earlier, as reported by Denty Tuke, the election officer for Rove Lengakiki ward, the voting has proceeded seamlessly so far. Tuke reassured the public that the situation remained under control and peaceful throughout the polling period.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time (2000 GMT on Tuesday) and is scheduled to close at 4 p.m. (0500 GMT) in the country.
Election results are expected to be released starting Thursday.
The national and provincial governments will by law be formed within the next 14 days by members of the national parliament and members of the provincial assemblies, respectively. They will govern for a four-year term.
Around 300 Australian army personnel and 130 Australian Federal Police have joined counterparts from New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea to help provide security for the election, and to help with logistics, according to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
UNI/XINHUA ARN

More News

Turkish police detain 30 suspects over links to failed coup

03 May 2024 | 3:08 PM

Istanbul, May 3 (UNI) Turkish police detained on Friday 30 suspects over their alleged links to a network accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016, local media reported.

see more..

Over 50 die of heatstroke in central Myanmar in April

03 May 2024 | 2:49 PM

Yangon, May 3 (UNI) During the scorching month of April, over 50 fatalities were recorded due to heatstroke in Mandalay, central Myanmar, an official from the Mani Sala Rescue Organization told Xinhua on Friday.

see more..

Georgia says PM rejected US visit invitation due to unacceptable conditions

03 May 2024 | 2:32 PM

Tbilisi, May 3 (UNI) Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rejected an invitation to visit the United States due to the condition put forth by Washington for Tbilisi to temporarily halt the discussion of the controversial bill on foreign agents, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

see more..

BRICS could offer alternative if dollar collapses: Russia's IMF Director

03 May 2024 | 2:12 PM

Moscow, May 3 (UNI) BRICS countries could provide an alternative to the US dollar if the international monetary system collapses, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Director for Russia Aleksei Mozhin told Sputnik.

see more..

US, Japan to invest $3bln in developing missile capable of downing hypersonics

03 May 2024 | 2:08 PM

Washington, May 3 (UNI) The United States and Japan will invest over $3 billion to jointly develop a new-type missile capable of intercepting hypersonic weapons, Japanese news agency Kyodo has reported, citing a US Missile Defense Agency official.

see more..
image