Why are superpowers watching the Solomon Islands election? | The Pacific

Solomon Islands is at a crossroads. As voters prepare to head to the polls - Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is pitching his pivot to China as a master stroke that will usher in a new period of rapid development.
His opponents say the Prime Minister and his cabinet have been compromised by money flowing in from Beijing - and that he and his party are increasingly out of touch with the everyday issues accessing health, transport, education and communication infrastructure Solomon Islanders face.
Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong takes us across the country to get to the heart of what people want from their leaders as they prepare to vote in an election that could be among the most consequential in the nation’s history.
Mr Sogavare has declined multiple ABC requests for an interview.
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[@LawrenceJamesWall]

Never loose self determination especially to those that see Solomon Islands through their own agendas .Beware of political powers that don't reflect your own values and freedoms .

[@solcivil]

When one is desperate one resorts to drastic moves, this is survival and as a partner SI feels neglected by its so called democratic big brothers hence resorting to a radical switch. A desperate wife seeks refuge in who ever fills the void.

[@francois9747]

Solomon Islanders have lost respect for their democratic allies. Especially since world war 2 when the bombs were left all over their island and still exploding to this day. I don't blame my Solomon Island brothers and sisters for switching to China. Propaganda makes us think it's bad for Solomon Islands, but we will see through time.

[@LawrenceJamesWall]

@@francois9747 no comparison between freedom loving Taiwanese and china's comunist ambitions. Islands for islanders! Mainland for mainlanders! The pacific is one of the last pristine regions in the world and over development could have a devastating impact in a short time . What becomes of the world in a few more generations because of the selfish, foolish present disregard.

[@francois9747]

@@LawrenceJamesWall Pacific Island culture has always been more close to communism than democracy anyway. Pacific Islanders are communal, not individualistic. What sort of ambition do you think the Chinese government would have on Solomon Islanders that would be worse than what the Solomon Islanders get from big brothers Australia, America, and New Zealand?

[@DJKZKID]

Watching from PNG , one love. Vote for a good PM that will bring better change and development ol wantok🇵🇬🇸🇧

[@BrianEastTabo]

Solomon Island is now developing, and that's what the people of Solomon Island hopping for. GETTING BETTER THAN THE PAST.

[@MrLoreto99]

Thank you for upload. would be interesting to get the views from one or two Cabinet Ministers.

[@Olivier_The_Dilettante]

all islanders survive from charity, and enrichment of their politicians flourishes.

[@josuemalatu5656]

All the problems cited by the various residents have existed for years, especially during the country's relations with Taiwan. It is not the fact of changing partners that is at the origin of all these problems. Finally, the Solomon Islands are sovereign, it is not the role of the United States and Western countries like Australia dictating its domestic and foreign policy.

[@abrahamfoteliwale1700]

You right.. this so-called Western countries are trying their best to blame all problems cited in this news as resulted from the tie between china and Sols. As the western countries continue to find loopholes and blame it on the tie between china and Sols, the tie will continually grow stronger and stronger.

[@jr.rasentertainment4074]

After watching this I believe that Solomon Islands will vote for change in this upcoming election. Good luck Solomon on your next vote for the next Prime Minister. Watching all the way from Vanuatu

[@davidcarter4247]

A former neighbour managed to get several churches to provide her with all manner of charity including free occupancy of a house. She did so by pretending to be interested in joining their congregations. That is the Solomon Islands. Living on the charity of those who hope it will join the congregation.

[@SagittarianArrows]

So sad, fake people

[@ancientwisdom-ty4nb]

Nope. They d ones offering stuff begging them to accept them. Similar to Ukraine. Hong Kong or Taiwan. Question is, why is d US so interested in all these military schisms. China wants trade. That is clear. But what does d US want?

[@CyberCrusaders-m9k]

@davidcarter4247 @SagittarianArrows Well, at least local journalists are involved in this video, and so we can see some hope for the new generations. It also goes to show how unfair you both are in drawing conclusions on a minority when it's general knowledge that you can't just rule the line based on the behaviour of the minority in a society, and stereotypically assume that it's that way for the entire population! Please base your arguments and assumptions fairly, & maybe do more neutral/unbiased research before ruling your self-composed lines and making such statements. Thanks.

[@davidcarter4247]

@@CyberCrusaders-m9k WTF are you talking about?

[@wasiimelda]

Like Jnr. Peter Kenilorea stated at the end of the day, the development of the country falls on the hands of Solomon Islanders. Though we practice the democratic system and strive for the best interest of our country, we still face challenges in our social and economic sectors. I don’t think the root cause is being addressed just yet, and that is, harmonizing the leadership of the country and look at what they can do to help instead of what they can change. After all, we are all the same people serving the same country, our outmost allegiance should be to Solomon Islands. All the best to the candidates for tomorrow’s election!

[@imxbobola]

Solomon Islands is a sovereign state, whoever it wants to have foreign relations with, should not be the concern for Australia and the US. Stop meddling in SI domestic politics. Support from Papua New Guinea.

[@davisregal9789]

Just in a few years, with China solomon Islands, capital honiara has seen rapid change

[@spankmeflanders1466]

Or maybe it is partly due to the $2.6 billion Australia has given to Solomon Islands since 2008 in development aid...

[@gabriellamarchant3901]

Great watch 🙏🏼

[@maxwilliam5240]

I like love this country its leader are simple and honest .. Wish my country behave this that😢 🇵🇬 Wantok

[@magiririki868]

Go China. It was China who made life more affordable in Melanesia. Prior to China taking over the scene in Melanesia life in the last 20 years was very expensive. As a Chinese physician once said: "Australia give second hand; China give brand new". I'm afraid but I cannot disagree with that statement and I am from Melanesia. I would like to see China rule Melanesia. China aspires to be the way the world should be; where everybody is rich. No to capitalism. Yes to communism. Infact, the Melanesian culture is Communism not Capitalism.

[@SolTab-p6n]

Sounds like one of the MPs in the previous house

[@nelsongraham108]

You would like to see China RULE the Solomons? ummm no. Do you know anything about Chinas history? or do you just have a hard on for them?

[@chrisharohau3031]

China have been here long enough,we just need a better governing system and government for the people.Just don't care for your geopolitics,we have suffered enough and we just need good leaders, something that all powers are pouring in money for and sad thing to see.

[@chookitty5219]

You should open the comments about Marcos Vs. Duterte video of yours. I would like to see what people say!

[@rapitup45]

I concur

[@EnockZesapaPitatamae]

It would be good if other provinces view be heard as well.

[@GuyWillson-bu6nz]

Solomon islanders want the Chinese because they voted for Sogavare again.

[@qanaqa33174]

Yupsiii !!! China is better than US and Aussie combined 😉

[@mavericknoiba1997]

Go PM Hon M Sogavare 💪💪 Greetings from AROB your brother in arms..❤❤🙏🙏

[@ericchow9694]

Everyone is talking about change. But how do you make changes when people don't change? I hope the New Hospital Facility currently being built by China will add value to the Medical System in our country.

[@julioduan7130]

The only solution is economic development, which can provide real changes to the society. Elect someone who bring real economic development, not the one who says that he will be different but will still do the same as the other previous presidents.

[@hudsonlagusu6530]

Be aware of our country Solomon island 🇸🇧 before we switch in two particular power system.. In development we get poorer interms of harvesting our resources for export but we still stay the same😢 we under estimate our future generations outcomes 🙌🙌🙏🙏💯

[@joeruriti8418]

I would encourage more information about what good governments and democratic system right down to the rural people. Since we have high % of illiterate population not many know what democratic government. They think less of their voting, ballot paper. They can not hold their parliamentary member accountable for not representing them and the government accountable. For example, why no medicine, why only SP Game holds in Honiara and the whole nation schools to stop in October. Right after the SP game our Hospita and clinic have none medicine. The Sogo lead government have no concern for the country medical, education, roads, shiping, rural economy but for themselves and those foreigns who reaping country resources. We do not need them back to lead our country.

[@solcivil]

I think the decisions of the Prime Minister is based on parliament and thus should not be influenced by Australia and other foreign countries. The country has been at the brink of collapse for the last 40 years and you were asleep. The Government must find ways to develop this country and if Australia cannot participate honestly with SI to enable progress then why not China.

[@spankmeflanders1466]

Australia has given Solomon Islands $2.6 billion in development aid since 2008. One must ask themselves where did all that money go. To politicians perhaps? They could have spent some of that money & money given from other nations on developing the capital city and turning it into a tourist hotspot. That would generate a lot of income for the country. But it seems the locals say themselves when money is allocated to things it never gets spent on those things

[@abrahamfoteliwale1700]

@@spankmeflanders1466 All the money aid from Australia went back to Australia through hiring their own Australian consultants. There is nothing tangible from Australian aid in the Solomon islands till china set foot in the Solomon Islands. NB: Australian Aid = Boomerang Aid

[@spankmeflanders1466]

@@abrahamfoteliwale1700 where is your proof of that claim?

[@solcivil]

@@spankmeflanders1466 If there is genuine interest by Australia, NZ, USA and England in developing SI as an equal partner, Why watch SI disintegrate into a least developed country? SI must continue relationship with China to see real development

[@spankmeflanders1466]

@@solcivil disintegrate into a least developed country? it has never been a developed country. to be a successful country you want private investment. you don't get that from governments. you get that by investing in infrastructure and having political stability

[@Rpgpumpkin]

Real Change will come when a Mathew Wale led Government takes Solomon Islands forward for the next four years and possibly beyond. A veteran politician who has seen it all, cannot be fooled. A man of God and Integrity. Blunt, he will call a spade, a spade with no hesitation, Mathew is hugely popular to lead the way forward for Solomon Islands. This is the way to real change!❤️👍💯🇮🇱✌🏼🙏🏽

[@qanaqa33174]

Hope that's true... But what's with the Israel flag???

[@maciuikanikoda7809]

❤🇸🇧 simple is beautiful, don't fall in the money trap...

[@benjamingriswold2564]

Who ever the people don't want to win is who wins. That's just how it is these days.

[@eltonleri7840]

Facts

[@saeniutuala7939]

Reporter Off! Captain says America is not Protecting Power but Cooperation... Hiihihi

[@thomasponjom9491]

May democracy prevail and grow stronger in the happy isles. Happy NGE 2024 ol wantok🇵🇬🇸🇧

[@seansese]

Why is it when Solomon Islands shift political relations with China then all of a sudden we have western countries poking nose here and there around Solomon Islands. 😂 I mean it’s very obvious. Compared to the past.

[@gavinlyndhurst8956]

Maybe because the ungrateful Solomon Islands have forgotten that if it were not for the very same Western Powers defending them 80-odd years ago the whole place would now be a colony of Japan and there would be no Solomon Islanders alive today. Maybe also the billions of $$ that have been given in aid over the years by Australia and others. In Western eyes the Solomon Islands are ungrateful and also an unreliable ally. The day will come when Solomon Islands will come knocking on doors for help and those doors will remain closed. They will have themselves to blame when they become a Pacific outpost of their new buddies the Chinese.

[@g.b.alejandro6268]

if this baboon wins, Solomon Islanders is in trouble

[@SagittarianArrows]

The wrath of God will unleash on them. Three Angels' Message.

[@g.b.alejandro6268]

@@SagittarianArrows correct.

[@andyabuteo6084]

​@@SagittarianArrows wrath of God unleash on whom? And for what reason??? 😅

[@andyabuteo6084]

Why would Solomon Islanders be in trouble??

[@g.b.alejandro6268]

@@andyabuteo6084 of course... you'll be puppets to chinese government !!!!

[@LawrenceJamesWall]

God bless Solomon Islands with self power and pride for the beauty of their own wonderfull culture in jesus mighty name AMEN

[@UU.002]

Manashe let's gooo

[@Hypocrites-507]

What China did for Solomon Islander since 2019 have give Islanders self dignity as sovereign nation

[@rexteraka5535]

China build Solomon Islands after ww2 to now

[@JPPatto-qb6tv]

Good on you

[@StevenKaumavi-nf7cx]

The leaders are okay, it's all about those who leading that health institution. Not the PM.

[@TeeJayBee-d4l]

At the expense of Australia? It remains to be seen why ??

[@cyprianotavisibatu6401]

This programme m lay one side follom like blo Aussie and USA.👎

[@qanaqa33174]

The Art of "PAID TO LIE"

[@SatiricalBro8927]

To lead is to Self-Serve😢

[@lavexitosh]

Do what's best for you, SI.

[@fvalemus5377]

Australia has been 'helping' Solomon Islands for many years, see what's the result. Shame.

[@spankmeflanders1466]

the difference is, when Australia helps - you still own your country. When China or the US helps, they own you and your country

[@spankmeflanders1466]

@@xhaozhao that's not true - we've given a lot to pacific island nations, and we continue to. we aren't the biggest economy in the world, far from it actually.

[@brandymatanga7128]

It's NZ that helps Solomon Islands Logistically not Australia.. They want the election to fail but sorry it's successful. To prove that they have promised to provide logistics support but totally lies

[@spankmeflanders1466]

@@brandymatanga7128 Australia provided Solomon Islands $171 million in financial assistance in 2023-24. That is a lot of money. NZ provided just $10 million. You have no idea what you are talking about

[@spankmeflanders1466]

@@brandymatanga7128 since 2008, Australia has provided $2.6 billion to Solomon Islands in development aid. also not sure what you mean by logistics support lol. Australia provides a lot more than just development aid though. Australia could stop the development aid, but we choose to help our pacific family. It is a lot of money though, and we also help out other pacific nations & PNG

[@CliffrichieManomanosu]

Then stop debate and stop arguing nao lo parliament meeting, your members need good consultations, good discussion and reflections.

[@logorokenyi2514]

Union of African continent is simple, an annual pro union rally followed by a week long conference designed to engage people with importance to African unity and involvement of current governments in each country (State) It can be done, chose starting point and progress from country to country (state to state).

[@NateVDZ]

What has this to do with Africa?

[@eugenio1542]

Howsit Dr Marissa wherever you are ☝️♥️✌️🌍🙏

[@compassrise]

Remember two words: Hong Kong.

[@hawkbartril3016]

Yes Hong Kong ? And.......

[@martintsang1662]

My place of birth, and what do you know about it?

[@SagittarianArrows]

Riots caused by Pelosi's democrats losing out to competition in trade?

[@peterbluesman]

@@hawkbartril3016an older two words, Great Britain. They were the original exploiters.

[@compassrise]

@@martintsang1662 Think!

[@talakeikapa]

‘Ofa atu Solomone 🙏

[@silentsilver6034]

What does that mean

[@cjryan88]

i would like to know how much the PM made from china

[@CapitolWorks]

he build 8 Mason worth around 15M

[@ribenguniang]

I would like how much the maker od this vdeo have got from the USA

[@bundles1978]

@@ribenguniang i would like to know how much the CCP paid you for this comment...

[@ribenguniang]

@@bundles1978 I don't need CCP money, a brain is sufficient. Seems America is really getting hysterical…

[@johndoeli]

Tell that to your leader of your constitute

[@MosesMollo]

Moses Mollo 😊😊

[@krisontavake9649]

Does this party system really helped us..no:

[@irispihema462]

I’m worried for the Solomon Islands update Jesus is black Russia is now praying to the real Jesus

[@PikachooUpYou]

Biased propaganda extravaganza.

[@AndrewNiki]

We need a right leader in our country for 2024, and let China develop our country ,solomon need china

[@fvalemus5377]

True! China will help Solomon Islands to be the more prosperous Island nation. Kick out Aussie NGOs, they are there to stop progress.

[@milibibi2152]

​@@fvalemus5377I am from West Africa and I would like know what wrong with Australia? Australia said they are helping you for years and China will own you. Why your partnership with the West does not work? It's just curiosity.

[@fvalemus5377]

@milibibi2152 What infrastructure has Australia built in the past 30 years? Zilch. And Australia treats Solomon Islands like a beggar to help through aid. China treats Solomon Islands like brothers and as an equal.

[@milibibi2152]

@@fvalemus5377 ok I understand. So they act like France in West Africa all talk no action. Smh. I lived in Australia I know how arrogant they can be. Good luck to you I wish the best for your country.

[@SolTab-p6n]

A contry with less than a million in population, rich in natural resources, led astry by its leaders to be one of the most aid reliant nations in the pacific.

[@JarielTuituri]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@trento8397]

*I wonder at what price does btc need to hit, for it to become a bear market???*

[@user-sc7cb6gi8m]

Politics politics politics that's it 🤦

[@Kiwiadventurerandoverlander]

Need to mind their own business

[@ancientwisdom-ty4nb]

If China takes on Solomon island for just 5 years, progress.

[@Ian-h5f]

Progress into Communism. It will become a puppet State.

[@SagittarianArrows]

@@Ian-h5f What has the colonisers done hey?

[@LawrenceJamesWall]

​@SagittarianArrows what are you talking about Solomon Islands was a British protectorate after the second world war after being liberated from Japan and is an independent self determining island nation that is not for exploitation and interference.

[@whiskeygamer9402]

​@@SagittarianArrowsChina is going to be the new Colonisers 😂😂

[@andyabuteo6084]

​@@LawrenceJamesWallSI has been a British protectorate way before WW2 not just after WW2.

[@PaulHatai]

Talem aunty talk ya no nali tumas hihi

[@patrussell8917]

Places that claim nationhood should be more aware of what is needed o run a country without expecting neighbours or friends to cover their wishes China offers much in roads & infrastructures but demands owners land & fishing rights for their projects Australia may supply other items but dont ask items from Islanders

[@LeslyJimmy]

Currently China do renovation and expandson

[@qanaqa33174]

How crazy was the official trailer for "Deadpool & Wolverine"😅

[@JellyFise-we8jf]

This is Taiwan built hospital like a ware house

[@ab.5128]

Bruh what have you done to the Solomon to be talking load of shit like this?

[@chriskingsley6337]

Biased media

[@LeslyJimmy]

Super Powers truly interference

[@rebelfj9892]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

[@CeciliaMamae-hc3up]

Easy bonen pikinini

[@jasonvoigt6575]

population of 750k. When CCP get the policy changes they need to invest (migrate) to the Solomon islands, they could match that Inc. all construction/infrastructure, etc. In 1 year.

[@theRealkuds8549]

The most biased and one sided documentary ever. But what do you expect from ABC.