Commonwealth issues final report on 2010 Solomon Islands parliamentary elections

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma today released the Final Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group which observed the 4 August National Parliamentary Elections in Solomon Islands.

In issuing the report, he said: "The Commonwealth Observer Group congratulated the Electoral Commission and the people of Solomon Islands on what was, overall, a peaceful and transparent election.”

The Secretary-General went on to say: "The Group found that many of the key benchmarks for democratic elections were met, but recognised a number of issues that weakened the electoral and democratic framework of the country.

“The Group found that overall the poll and count was well administered and voters were largely able to exercise their choice in a competitive election, though the slow pace of counting and tabulation of results was noted. The Group expressed concern regarding the accuracy of the voter register, the low level of participation by women in political and electoral processes, and numerous allegations surrounding the use of money to influence voter behaviour.”

The Secretary-General encouraged the Solomon Islands’ authorities to consider positively the recommendations made by the Group on measures which could help to strengthen the electoral and democratic framework of the country as it continues to review and reform its electoral and related laws. He stressed that “the Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to assist the Government of Solomon Islands to help further strengthen the democratic process and democratic institutions in the country”.

Note to editors: The Report was completed and signed by all members of the Commonwealth Observer Group prior to their departure from Solomon Islands. It was presented to the Commonwealth Secretary-General by the Chair of the Group, Dr Arthur Donahoe QC, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Before being made public, it has been distributed to the Government of Solomon Islands, parliamentarians, the Electoral Commission and all Commonwealth member governments.

Key Links:

• Election Reports
• Country Profile: Solomon Islands