The counting process is underway on Thursday for the Solomon Islands' joint election, encompassing both national and provincial elections.

Honiara, Solomon Islands - April 18, 2024

Storyline:
The counting process is underway on Thursday for the Solomon Islands' joint election, encompassing both national and provincial elections.

Following the conclusion of voting on Wednesday across the various constituencies in the country, the majority of the ballot boxes have now arrived at their respective counting centers, which marks the beginning of the crucial counting process in the electoral cycle.

Reports indicate that several counting centers have initiated the essential step of verifying the contents of the received ballot boxes before commencing the actual counting. This meticulous verification process ensures the integrity and accuracy of the electoral outcome.

A total of 334 candidates are vying for 50 seats in the parliamentary election. Party-affiliated candidates outnumber independent candidates 219 to 115.

Meanwhile, 816 candidates are contending for positions in the provincial assemblies and 89 for the Honiara City Council.

The results of the provincial wards will be the first to be unveiled, preceding the announcement of the national results, said Jasper Anisi, chief electoral officer of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission.

The Solomon Islands has a population of about 720,000, more than half of whom young people. A total of 1,200 polling stations were set up in various constituencies throughout the country.

The island country has a unicameral parliamentary system, with the National Assembly being the highest organ of power, consisting of 50 members. The newly elected members of parliament will choose a new prime minister.

The national and provincial governments will by law be formed within the next 14 days, respectively by members of the national parliament and members of the provincial assemblies. They will govern for a four-year term.

Shotlist:
Solomon Islands - April 17, 2024:
1. Various of voters waiting outside polling station;
2. Various of workers of polling station working;
3. Various of voters casting ballots at polling station;
Honiara, Solomon Islands - April 18, 2024:
4. Various of workers unloading, transferring sacks containing collected ballot papers;
5. Various of workers sorting out sacks containing collected ballot papers;
6. Various of sacks containing collected ballot papers;
7. Various of workers sorting out sacks containing collected ballot papers.

[RESTRICTIONS: No access Chinese mainland]