Solomon Islanders cast votes in an election that will shape relations with China
HONIARA, Solomon Islands (AP) — Voting has closed across 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 Solomon Islands’ closer relationship with China and a troubled domestic economy weighed on voters’ minds as they cast their ballots.
As many as 420,000 registered voters had their say across 50 national seats on Wednesday.
For the first time, the national vote also coincides with elections for eight of the 10 local governments.
Esther Maeluma cast her vote in the National Art Gallery in the capital Honiara and said it seemed busier than the last national election in 2019.
“I want my country and the economy to be good and that’s why I chose my candidate,” she said outside a polling station.
Related articles
David Ortiz is humbled by being honored in New York again; this time for post
NEWTON, Mass. (AP) — Hall of Famer David Ortiz is committed to his post-career work like he was swin2024-05-21Mercedes upgrades its electric EQS to give the EV a huge 511 mile
If you can afford the astronomical price tag, buyers of this electric car won't ever have to worry a2024-05-21Apple users are still discovering hidden new features inside iPhone's iOS17
Apple's latest operating system, iOS 17, comes with a lot of little-promoted, but life-saving featur2024-05-21Do you live near one? Interactive map reveals the locations of England's 400,000 heritage sites
With the humdrum of modern life, it's easy for Brits to forget that we live in a land packed with an2024-05-21Queen Camilla reveals she's seen the first season of Bridgerton
Queen Camilla has revealed she has seen the first season of Netflix hit Bridgerton. The royal, 76, t2024-05-21I'm a female solo traveller... here are THREE European cities I wished I'd skipped
A female solo traveller has revealed the three European countries she wished she had skipped.Food an2024-05-21
atest comment