The Solomon Islands is heading into a consequential election on Wednesday as the people vote for their next government, the outcome of which could impact the region thanks to the country’s relationship with China.
The island nation's population of nearly 760,000 is spread across 900 islands, making the election process particularly challenging. It takes several weeks to collect ballots, form the new government and determine the next prime minister.
The election was supposed to take place last year but was delayed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who argued that the country could not afford to hold the poll and host the regional Pacific Games in the same year. Critics of Sogavare have called this decision a power grab. He is the front-runner for an unprecedented second term.
China is also a concern in the election because of its growing security presence in the Pacific.
“The results will determine whether the Solomon Islands continues growing its relationship with China or changes course in favor of a different approach,” Parker Novak, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, told VOA in a written response.
How do the elections work?
Polling stations will open at 7 a.m. Solomon Islands Time (20:00 GMT on Tuesday) and remain open until 4 p.m. (05:00 GMT).
Voters must be citizens and be at least 18 years old. The candidate who gets the most votes will be elected.
Fifty lawmakers will be elected from 334 candidates, of which only 21 are women. Those 50 newly elected officials will then determine the prime minister.
There are some worries that the slew of domestic issues, such as youth unemployment and weakening health and education systems, will lead to tensions and a showing of political grievances.
Reporter William Yang contributed to this report, which includes some information from The Associated Press.
