Solomon Islands Election: Voters Cast Ballots Amid China Ties

Voters check the list of electors at a polling station in the capital Honiara, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Voting began across the Solomon Islands on Wednesday in the South Pacific nation's first gener

Voting began across the Solomon Islands on Wednesday in the South Pacific nation's first general election since the government switched diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to Beijing and struck a secret security pact that has raised fears of the Chinese navy gaining a foothold in the region.

The Solomons' closer relationship with China and a troubled domestic economy will be weighing on voters' minds as they cast their ballots.

As many as 420,000 registered voters will have their say across 50 national seats on Wednesday.

Voters considering closer ties with China and domestic economic issues.

Solomon Islands' first general election since switching diplomatic allegiances to China.

420,000 registered voters across 50 national seats and 8 local governments.

Early voting saw long queues and logistical challenges in remote areas.

US working to strengthen ties with South Pacific nations amid China's influence.

Prime Minister Sogavare criticized for switching ties from Taiwan without approval.

For the first time, the national vote also coincides with elections for eight of the 10 local governments.

Some voters queued outside polling stations from 4 a.m. local time (17:00 GMT) — three hours before polling began — with many more flocking to booths early after seeing the growing crowds.

With early voting available to a select few, voters have spent recent days traveling back to home electorates, quietening the streets of Honiara and forcing the nation’s main hospital to enter crisis mode due to a lack of staff.

The United States has been working to build diplomatic bridges with South Pacific island nations since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the security pact with China.

More than 1,000 polling stations are scattered across villages and town centers across the Solomons archipelago, 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off Australia's northeast coast.

Since he became prime minister at the 2019 election, which is his fourth and longest stint in the top office, he has been criticized for switching diplomatic ties from Taiwan without parliamentary approval.

Opposition candidates have campaigned on re-examining elements of the Chinese relationship including the 2022 security pact with Beijing.

Police have warned they are prepared to quickly respond to any potential repeat of politically motivated disorder that has broken out after past elections.

Australia has provided 25 million Australian ($16 million) in election assistance including logistical support to get polling stations and ballots to extremely remote areas.

Vote counting begins on Thursday. But the result will not be known for more than a week. The 50 elected lawmakers must then choose who among will become the next prime minister.

Sogavare was sworn in as prime minister three weeks after the 2019 election.