24 Nov 2014

Solomons MPs to begin coalition formation

8:21 pm on 24 November 2014

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has declared the election period in Solomon Islands is officially over.

The chief electoral officer, Polycarp Haununu, says the country enjoyed a mostly peaceful election period and he has thanked Solomon Islanders for respecting the process and each other.

"We have received all, almost all the results from the field counting stopped last night so our election is now over with three more results to come in."

Initial estimates from the commission put average voter turnouts at 80 to 85 percent.

Of the 50 elected members of Parliament 35 are returning MPs and 15 are new.

There are 32 Independents and 18 MPs with party affiliations, including one woman.

Under new legislation only registered political parties can form coalitions but only half of the 12 registered political parties in the country have fielded successful candidates.

The Solomon Islands now enters what is historically the most volatile period in its political calendar, the formation of coalitions and the election of the prime minister.