9 Dec 2014

Solomons PM election underway

12:17 pm on 9 December 2014

The prime ministerial elections in Solomon Islands are underway with results expected in the next couple of hours.

The two candidates are running for the top job are a former two-time prime minister Manasseh Sogavare representing the Democratic Coalition for Change and first time MP Jeremiah Manele representing the Solomon Islands People's Democratic Coalition.

According to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, on paper the number difference between the two coalitions is very slim but the the reality of allegiances will become apparent once the result is out.

The decision will be made in a secret ballot.

Our correspondent Dorothy Wickham is at parliament.

"The two different camps came in private buses that they'd hired, one bus for one camp and they all filed into parliament and half an hour later governer general Frank Kabui turned up. and at the moment it is just members of the diplomatic core, police riot squad, the media and very few members of the public are here to observe and waiting for the results."

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands overlooking Honiara City

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands overlooking Honiara City Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins