Solomon Islands’ Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly and association, and participation in elections.
The key documents providing the legal and regulatory framework for the conduct of elections are:
- Constitution;
- National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act (Cap.87);
- National Parliament (Electoral Provisions) Regulations 2005;
- Political Parties Integrity Act 2014; and
- Election Petition Rules 1976.
In addition, Solomon Islands has signed or agreed to some significant regional and international commitments and instruments relevant to the conduct of elections. These include:
- International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women;
- Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities; and
- Charter of the Commonwealth.
Although the legal framework governing the conduct of elections in the Solomon Islands guarantees the freedom of assembly, association and participation; the impact and consequences of corruption on the political and electoral processes have been identified as areas that may require reforms to further enhance the credibility of the electoral process.
