In Solomon Islands, unregistered politicial parties remain locked out of next weeks elections after a High Court ruling on Friday in Honiara went against them.
MP Mathew Wale had in court argued that the political parties integrity legislation, which requires political parties to be registered with the Political Parties Commission, went against his constitutional right to freedom of association.
But the court disagreed, and upheld the Electoral Commission's right to ban parties that have not registered from participating in the election.
The Registrar of the Political Parties Commission, Calvin Ziru, says the ruling is important for the future of politics in the Solomon Islands.
"I think the Chief Justice was very clear, the act does not contravene the right or freedom of association of any individual and or political party and that police parties must be registered under the act in order for them to contest the elections."
The ruling also means that, once elected, independent candidates must choose a political party if they wish to have any part in governing the country.
The High Court in Honiara, Solomon Islands Photo: RNZI
