Solomon Islands police have refused to let a group of youths stage a protest in Honiara in the lead up to the election of the prime minister.
Photo: RNZ/Koroi Hawkins
The vote is conducted by secret ballot in parliament with a candidate requiring the support of at least 26 of the 50 MPs.
Nominations for the top job close today with the vote to be held on Wednesday 24 April.
The Solomon Star newspaper reported the decision to stop the protest was made in the interest of public safety.
The youth group said it represented young people in the capital and planned a peaceful march through the city.
But police deputy commissioner for operations Gabriel Manelusi said it was explained to the group that for public safety reasons, police would not allow any procession or public gathering from now until the election of the prime minister.
Police are mounting visibility patrols and traffic checks during day and night to ensure there is peace in Honiara, Mr Manelusi said.