AUSTRALIA says it will provide up to SBD$137 million to enable Solomon Islands conducts its national elections early next year.

Its deputy prime minister Richard Marles announced this on arrival in Honiara on Wednesday. He left the country yesterday.

He said the funding will assist the Solomon Islands Electoral Office undertake a range of important preparations ahead of the elections, including biometric voter registration, preparation and polling activities.   

“Australia has a long history of supporting democratic elections across the Pacific and has supported national elections in Solomon Islands over the past 20 years,” Marles said. 

“Australia is committed to working closely with Solomon Islands on a range of matters important to our Pacific region,” he added.

Australian DPM Richard Marles visited King George Six school today.|Photo: In-depth Solomons.

“Supporting stronger electoral systems and the successful delivery of national general elections in early 2024, is a further example of our strong partnership and shared commitment to democracy.”

Marles stated having a robust and transparent system for Solomon Islanders to exercise their right to vote is important for Solomon Islands democracy. 

“Australia is pleased to assist with this important task.” 

The visiting deputy prime minister said this latest funding builds on the support Australia is already providing through the Australian Electoral Commission and international partners like the United Nations Development Program. 

The national elections were supposed to be held around May this year.

But the Government, using its numerical strength in parliament, pushed ahead to postpone the election by amending sections of the Constitution.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has said the postponement is necessary to allow the Government to concentrate its effort and finances towards the Pacific Games in November this year.

A legal case challenging the postponement of the elections has been filed in the High Court Monday this week by leader of the Independent Group in parliament, Dean Kuku.