Honiara SECURITY has been tightened in Honiara as tSolomon Islands prepares to select a prime minister.
Riot police equipped with batons and shields are on stand by and a helicopter patrols the sky above Parliament House.
Inside Parliament, members are expected to choose between Manasseh Sogovare and Matthew Wale for PM. Most businesses have stepped up security on premises as a precaution against possible fallout after the election.
Alcohol sales have been suspended since Tuesday and police have increased their patrols.
Officers of the Solomon Islands Corrections Departnent have reinforced the police presence.
Many small shops have closed for the day and Honiara is quiet except for the constant drone of the patrolling helicopter. Groups of islanders have gathered under trees and shop awnings to watch parliamentary proceedings on mobile phones and television.
Results should be available today.