14 Mar 2024

Low number of women candidates in Solomon elections

From , 6:02 am on 14 March 2024
Of the 334 candidates running in the Solomon Islands national election on 17 April, just 21 are females, which is down five from the previous election in 2019.

Of the 334 candidates running in the Solomon Islands national election on 17 April, just 21 are females, which is down five from the previous election in 2019. Photo: Solomon Islands Electoral Commission

The Chief Electoral Officer in Solomon Islands has revealed just six percent of the candidates contesting the national election are women.

Jasper Anisi, says there are 334 registered candidates, 21 of whom are female. 

Solomon Islands has historically had low female representation in politics with only four women MPs among the 52 members in the last parliament.

RNZ Pacific Edito Koroi Hawkins spoke with Jasper Anisi about preparations for the joint national and provincial election which will be held on the 17th of April.