Political Parties Unveil Manifestos as Election Fever Grips Solomon Islands

Political parties have been actively launching their campaign platforms across Honiara and the provinces, with some organizing grand fanfare events for their campaigns. Among the parties that have launched their manifestos are Our Party, which held the majority in the DCGA during the 11th parliament under the leadership of caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare; CARE, a coalition between the Democratic Party and Democratic Alliance Party, led by outgoing MPs Matthew Wale and Rick Hou; and SIPRA, the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement, led by former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo. Additionally, other parties such as the Kandere Party and People’s Alliance Party have also presented their plans. The United Party is yet to launch its manifesto.

As the country is in the midst of election season, the launch of manifestos and campaigns by political parties has drawn different reactions, with campaigning sometimes adopting a personal tone. Outgoing opposition leader Matthew Wale was criticized by outgoing Malaita MPs for allegedly referring to the caretaker government as “idiots” and “Judas” during the CARE coalition’s launch in Auki. The caretaker government demanded an apology from Wale, stating that such comments were culturally insensitive and disrespectful, potentially inciting violence. They criticized Wale for engaging in divisive politics and urged him to address issues with humility and respect.

In addition, a press statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet claimed that the CARE coalition had not registered under the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA). The statement expressed concern over this disregard for the law, stating, CARE coalition is not a coalition. “It is basically a group of people who goes around to smear other candidates by bad mouthing the DCGA in the hope that our people will believe them”.

Under the Political Parties Integrity Act, parties are allowed to amalgamate, but this requires applying to the Commission for approval.

CARE is currently in the Western province, rolling out the launch of their manifestos and party platforms. In Gizo, it was reported that CARE coalition leader Matthew Wale, former MP for West Are’Are John Maneniaru, and intending candidate for Gizo/Kolombangara Peter Soqoilo were escorted in the Traditional Tomoko from Nusatupe to Gizo. More than 80 boats from Kolombangara alone took part in the sea parade escorting the Tomoko, while hundreds more were stationed at the KHY area that paraded in Gizo town.

Meanwhile, as the country prepares for the National General Elections set for 17 April 2024, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is intensifying its efforts to ensure a secure and orderly electoral process. Part of these efforts includes a comprehensive Public Order Management (POM) training program that has been rolled out into the various departments, units, and stations of the RSIPF. The POM training program, delivered by RSIPF trainers, started in February with the support of the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP). Under this program, officers from across the RSIPF are trained with required skills, tactics, and knowledge to deal with any public disorder situation. The training provides participating officers the opportunity to know what they can expect when real public disorder situations arise. Drawing from past experiences, the RSIPF is bringing officers across the force to prepare, ensuring that when frontline resources are stretched, reinforcements from across the RSIPF can swiftly and effectively assist to strengthen security and maintain order.

Solomon Islands Parliament dissolved on December 31st, leaving the government in caretaker mode. MPs from the 11th parliament are now ordinary citizens, and those in ministerial positions are serving in caretaker roles. As a democratic country, Solomon Islands holds elections once every four years. This election provides the opportunity for people to voice their preferences for government and the policies they desire.

Nominations for candidates close this Wednesday 6 March 2024, with candidates given a two-day window to reconsider their nominations.