Pacific

PM election expected in next two days in Solomons

11:28 am on 1 December 2014

A date for prime ministerial elections in the Solomon Islands may be set today or tomorrow if the Political Parties Commission submits a coalition agreement to government house this afternoon.

The Registrar of Political Parties, Calvin Ziru says the Commission received a coalition agreement late on Friday from four parties grouped together as the Solomon Islands People's Democratic Coalition.

He says the coalition is made up of 29 of the 50 newly-elected MPs.

"I think the process from here on is for the commission to very quickly review this particular coalition agreement. And if it is satisfied of the numerical strength of this group, to then confirm an appointment with government house to inform the governor general."

Mr Ziru says the challenge now will be for the coalition to maintain its numbers until the Governor General calls the Prime Ministerial election.

The Coalition is made up of the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement, Democratic Alliance Party, Solomon Islands People First Party and the Peoples' Alliance Party.

The elections ten days ago returned 32 independents but under new legislation independents had to join a political party if they wanted to be part of the government.

The Solomon Islands Coat of Arms adorns the steps of the National Parliament. Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins