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. |
Highlights of BWF World Tour Finals 2023Farmers Busy with Agricultural Activities on Cold Dew Across ChinaChinese Authorities Emphasize Assistance to People Facing Unexpected Financial HardshipsXinhua Headlines: China Sees New Year Consumption Recovery, Eyes 2023 GrowthChina to Strengthen Home Visit Services for ElderlyChina to Strengthen Home Visit Services for ElderlyPress Center for 20th CPC National Congress OpensChina Gears up for Graduate School Entrance ExamBeijing Sets up Fever Clinics in All Community Health Service CentersHighlights of First Vocational Skills Competition of Jiangxi in E China