Solomon Islands to Delay National General Election to 2024

9 September 2022 00:55

Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands voted Thursday, to delay their nation's general election from next year until 2024.

Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare said, the seven-month delay, which required a constitutional amendment, was necessary because the nation is hosting the Pacific games next year.

He said holding an election at the same time would be too costly and logistically challenging, but opposition leader, Matthew Wale told lawmakers, the move would cost people their right to vote in 2023.

Opponents also objected to the way the bill was rushed through parliament, bypassing the normal process that allows for public submissions.

Many people in the South Pacific nation of 700 thousand remain skeptical of Sogavare's motives, and some worry it could result in more unrest.