PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

By Johnson Honimae

SUVA, Fiji (Islands Business Magazine, March 2006) - Solomon Islands goes to the poll in early April to elect its 50-member Parliament in what has been described as one of the most important and historical national elections in its 28 years of political independence.

There will be a few firsts:

• The first election since the country was rescued by the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) as a result of the social unrest in 1999 to 2003.
• The first time a single ballot box voting system will be used in an attempt to curb vote buying by corrupt candidates under the multiple ballot box system.
• The first time the issue of leadership comes to the fore with serious discussions within the constituencies through the Australian and New Zealand-funded civic awareness education program and the efforts of civil society groups such as Winds of Change.

But the most historical aspect of this national election is the concerted effort by the country's women to get their numbers into the "House on the Hill" (Parliament House).

They believe they can do a better job of ruling the country than their men folk. Only two women have so far made it into parliament in the history of the nation, one before independence and the other after independence.

Even before the election dates were announced, 10 political parties or "election parties (come out of hibernation only when an election is imminent)" had confirmed they were putting up candidates to fight for the 50 parliamentary seats.

On close examination of the political parties, there is very little difference in their priorities. But one thing is clear: the individuals leading the parties basically fall into two camps.

One camp includes the Liberal Party, led by former Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu, the Nationals, Labor, the Social Credits and the recently formed Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement.

The other camp includes the People Alliance Party of Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza and the Association of Independent Members led by Deputy Prime Minister Snyder Rini, which has been in power for a record full four-year term.

Other parties in this group include Lafari, United and Democratic Parties and a host of undecided independent candidates.

From the rumor mills or coconut wireless, about 300 candidates are expected to be nominated. Only when nominations close will the number be confirmed. Electoral sources say the women may be fielding at least 20 candidates. And it will be a great success if at least one of them makes it to the 'House on the Hill.'

Elections in the Solomon Islands are never fought on any particular issues in the past besides the usual ones of health, education and infrastructure.

But April's election will be different. The issues of leadership and corruption will be high on the agenda during the political meetings. Several reports by the Auditor General revealed that millions or even billions of dollars from the country's fisheries resources, logging and, of course, the Exim Bank loan have allegedly gone into wrong hands. A lot of those responsible are yet to be charged. There are also allegations of misuse of the Rural Constituency Development Fund by some Members of Parliament. Under the fund, Members of Parliament are entitled SB$400,000 [US$57,400] per year for projects in their constituencies.

How long will RAMSI remain in the Solomon Islands could also become a contentious issue. Others issues like land, which caused the ethnic tension and how any government can steer the economy without RAMSI's assistance could make interesting debates during the election campaigns.

But one thing is clear: Candidates must be prepared to explain how their getting into parliament would improve the lives of their voters.

According to the July 2005 Report Card of the Solomon Islands Development Trust, a non-government organization, the government had failed in providing quality education.

"In spite of the millions earmarked to the most important sector, teachers' entitlements and their end of the year transport back home were often paid late. But Members of Parliament salaries, allowances and perks, even during the height of the social unrest, were paid on time," Solomon Islands Development Trust advisor, Dr. John Roughan said.

Roughan said the next lot of parliamentarians would inherit a nation boasting of a robust credit line, many generous overseas donors, a functioning economy and a people filled with potential.

"What is needed, however, is solid leadership, commitment and dedication. These are the ingredients sorely missing in the outgoing government," Roughan said.

Solomon Islanders have been good at getting rid of politicians from office. In the 1997 polls, 51 percent were not returned and 64 percent in 2001.

"New faces alone will never change our political weaknesses. Let's start right now to begin the change in ourselves before demanding it from others," Roughan said.

Islands Business: http://www.pacificislands.cc/pm82003/index.php

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