Tendered ballot papers used in Wednesday’s Joint Election
More than one hundred tendered ballot papers were issued to voters by some Presiding Officers during Wednesday’s election across the country. Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi confirmed this during the
Opinion: Your quick guide to the Solomon Islands elections
By Priestley Habru, University of Adelaide and 360info Staff Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare could retain power on 17 April but who stands in his way of making history? Solomon Islands sits on the edge of a
CARE Leader calls for peaceful and respectful elections, 6,780 polling officials for 2024 joint elections
The Solomon Islands Leader of the Coalition for Accountability, Reform and Empowerment (CARE) Matthew Wale, who employed a character-assassination campaign approach in this year’s election campaign and sparked
More demonstrations expected in Noumea as New Caledonia voting rules change
Demonstrations have been held in New Caledonia – with more protests expected – from both pro- and anti-independence supporters after the French Senate endorsed a constitutional amendment bill to
“Palauans First” Campaign reboots: President Whipps seeks second term
In a rally echoing his “Palauans First” campaign slogan, President Surangel Whipps Jr officially launched his re-election bid on 11 February, becoming the first candidate to declare for the November 2024 general
Fiji election countdown: Blackout period begins
Yesterday banners, billboards and building hoardings bearing the faces of Fiji politicians and electoral candidates dotted Fiji’s landscape. Taxis, market buildings, carparks and private residences displayed
“Ready to Run” Campaign Training for Women Election Candidates
Building Public Confidence in Elections in Fiji Through Civil Society Action Dialogue Fiji Professor Shaista Shameem Vice Chancellor The University of Fiji Increasing the number of women in parliament is only a small
Women MPs should be the norm, not a novelty: Bale
The absence of any women in the Papua New Guinea parliament is a matter of deep national shame, says candidate, Tania
Outlook 2022: The year ahead
For the third year running, COVID-19 is defining and disrupting life, leadership and governance in the Pacific Islands. Compounded by climate change-related flooding and the devastating Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai
Outlook 2022: The year in Pacific politics
By Sadhana Sen For the third year running, COVID-19 is defining and disrupting life, leadership and governance in the Pacific. Compounded by climate change-related flooding and the devastating
Tuilaepa rallies in vain
The political car rally that took place in Apia led by former Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi on July 30 was reminiscent of the rallies staged by supporters of former President Donald
A note from the editor
After more than two months and infinite patience on the part of voters, Samoa finally has a new Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. We’re yet to see what Fiame’s ascendancy will mean for regional
Samoan Head of State calls for fresh elections
Samoans woke up to the news today that they will go back to the polls in just over two-weeks’ time, on 21 May 2021. Calling for fresh elections was the best legal way forward for the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano
Presidential leadership for post referendum Bougainville
Bougainville is going through a major political metamorphosis ending one political status and entering into another entity. The 15 years of Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Tenure has ended but continues
On running for elections in Vanuatu as a woman
In the recent Vanuatu national elections, Dr Andrina Thomas stood for the rural electorate of Espiritu Santo. In this article, which was originally published on the DevPolicy blog, she offers some reflections to Elise
Tough battle for Vanuatu women candidates ahead
It’s election campaign time in Vanuatu where women candidates will try their luck once more to outpoll their male counterparts and end the ‘zero women in parliament’ drought with hopes for a place in Parliament.
Nauru’s President out
Preliminary results are in for Nauru’s elections, and it appears President Baron Waqa has lost his seat. Nauruans went to the polls today and preliminary results are in for all but one electorate. Also to miss out are
Rabuka wants constitution and Fijian name reviewed
By Anish Chand Former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has said he will continue from where he left off in 1997 to ensure a constitution like the one his government enacted in 1997. In a speech at University of
May or October Poll?
THE burning question from April 2018 to October 2018 will be: when will Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama dissolve parliament to pave the way for the 2018 general election? According to Fiji’s 2013 constitution,
Fiji Supreme Court to hear election office appeal
By Anish Chand In this election year, the Fijian Supreme Court is set to hand down a judgement that will clearly define the role of the Supervisor of the Elections when it comes to following directives of the
Poll twists and turns
THE election of the Marshall Islands’ — and the independent Pacific’s first — head of state in late January followed a rollercoaster series of leadership twists and turns in this north Pacific
Battle for top job
IN what may be a record in the Pacific islands for speed of a no confidence motion following election, just three days after Casten Nemra’s inauguration as the new President of the Marshall Islands on January 11,
New players, old lessons
VANUATU saw out 2015 on a high note as a model of the Westminster system. The separation of powers worked well and the checks and balances were all in place. Fourteen Members of Parliament out of a total of 52 were in