Ban commends Solomon Islanders for peaceful legislative elections

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended Solomon Islanders for taking part in peaceful and orderly parliamentary polls that led to the selection this week of Danny Philip as the new Prime Minister of the Pacific archipelago.

The conduct of the elections “demonstrates the commitment of Solomon Islanders to peace and democracy,” according to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson.

A United Nations team trained, briefed and helped deploy international observers who monitored the elections as they took place earlier this month.

The UN''s involvement followed a request from the Solomon Islands Government and electoral authorities in the country.

“The Secretary-General notes the statements of observer groups detailing both the successes and the areas that require attention in any proposed electoral reforms in Solomon Islands,” the statement added. “He encourages the Government to address and implement these recommendations in order to improve the electoral process for the future.”

Solomon Islands, which has been independent since 1978, has a 50-member national parliament whose members are elected to four-year terms. The previous legislative polls were held in 2006.