Published: 20:13, April 16, 2024
Solomon Islands prepares for joint elections
By Xinhua

Residents walk in front of billboards showing how to vote in Honiara, capital city of Solomon Islands on April 16, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

HONIARA - As Solomon Islands prepares for Wednesday's joint election, the capital city of Honiara stands on the eve of the vote in a state of quiet anticipation.

The country's citizens prepare to cast their votes in a joint election, encompassing both national and provincial elections.

A total of 334 candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, vying for seats across the 50 constituencies in the parliamentary elections. Party-affiliated candidates outnumber independent candidates 219 to 115

The campaign period ended at midnight on Monday local time. Campaigns conducted after that are prohibited and are an offense.

A total of 334 candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, vying for seats across the 50 constituencies in the parliamentary elections. Party-affiliated candidates outnumber independent candidates 219 to 115.

In the national parliament, all 50 members are directly elected by plurality vote from single-seat constituencies.

Additionally, 816 candidates are contending for positions in the provincial assemblies and 89 for the Honiara City Council.

As the eve of the elections draws to a close, ballot boxes, symbols of the nation's collective voice, stand sentinel in the respective polling stations, awaiting the dawn of a new day.

At 7 am sharp local time, the polls will open.