Solomon Islands election: China security ties in focus as tiny Pacific nation heads to the polls

Dispersed over 2,000km (1,240 miles), home to around 750,000 people – a quarter of them living in poverty – and increasingly coveted for its position in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Islands is wooed by China and the US as a potential ally.

“It is an important election. People are calling for change” said Benjamin Afuga, an administrator of the Yumi Toktok Forum, one of the largest public Facebook groups in the Solomon Islands.

Posts on the forum provide a snapshot of the key concerns of voters such as healthcare, education, unemployment and changes to outdated laws.

Sogavare’s critics say he is becoming increasingly authoritarian and has failed to be transparent with the electorate over the terms of the quid-pro-quo agreement with China.

But Meg Keen, director of the Lowy Institute’s pacific islands programme, said the elections “will be fought on local issues, not geopolitics”.

“For those struggling to make a living and manage the rising cost of living, issues such as jobs, health and education services and transport are at the top of the list.”

Sogavare’s challengers, including opposition leader Matthew Wale, are urging the nation to realign by recognising Taiwan once more and returning to the fold with traditional partners Australia and the US.

The election outcome and then the appointment of the prime minister are expected to take weeks.

“In the meantime, we can hope that calm is maintained and the public judges the elections to be fair,” Keen said. “The last thing Honiara [the capital of the Solomon Islands] needs is more unrest.”

Washington is also busy with its plans to deepen its engagement in the region. Last month, the US approved US$7 billion in aid to be dispersed to Palau, Federated States of