Solomon Islands
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of poltical party finances, including the banning of particular kinds of donations to political parties. Source
Section 59 (1) of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 only requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. Section 60(1) similarly only requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source" Source: Articles 59 (1) and 60 (1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of poltical party finances, including the banning of particular kinds of donations to candidates. Source
Section 59 (2) of the Political Parties Integrity Act requires only that the financial statement of the political party must include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate. Source: Article 59 (2), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the banning of particular kinds of donations to political parties. Source
Section 59 (1) of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 only requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. Section 60(1) similarly only requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source" Source: Articles 59(1) and 60 (1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the banning of particular kinds of donations to candidates. Source
Section 59 (2) of the Political Parties Integrity Act requires only that "the financial statement of the political party must include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate". Source: Article 59 (2), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act. |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the banning of particular kinds of donations to political parties. Source
Section 59 (1) of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 only requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. Section 60(1) similarly only requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source" Source: Articles 59(1) and 60 (1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 |
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the banning of particular kinds of donations to candidates. Source
Section 59 (2) of the Political Parties Integrity Act requires only that "the financial statement of the political party must include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate". Source: Article 59 (2), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 |
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the question of anonymous donations. The Political Party Integrity Standards which were issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to Section 72 of the Political Parties Integrity Act does address the issue of anonymous donations, however these standards are guidelines only and not legally enforceable. Source
Section 59 (1) of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 only requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses". Source: Article 59, Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Act, 2014 The Political Party Integrity Standards state that "A political party and its candidates must not "accept donations or benefits which are anonymous, or of which the donor's identity cannot be established with certainty". Source: Article 10.2 (b), Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014 |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the question of anonymous donations. The Political Party Integrity Standards which were issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to Section 72 of the Political Parties Integrity Act does address the issue of anonymous donations, however these standards are guidelines only and not legally enforceable. Source
Section 59 (2) of the Political Parties Integrity Act requires only that "the financial statement of the political party must include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate". Source: Article 59 (2), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Act, 2014 The Political Party Integrity Standards state that "A political party and its candidates must not "accept donations or benefits which are anonymous, or of which the donor's identity cannot be established with certainty". Source: Article 10.2 (b), Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014 |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The issue of the use of state resources is addressed in the Political Parties Integrity Standards, which are Guidelines issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to section 72 of the Political Parties Integity Act 2014. Source
he Political Parties Integrity Standards state that "A political party and its candidates must not accept donations or benifits from any person or entity which conducts business with the government of Solomon islands or its provinces giving rise to a conflict of interest". Source: Section 10.2 (f) Political Parties Integrity Standards, 2014 |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Political Parties Integrity Standards address the issue of donations by corporations to candidates . Source
The Political Parties Integrity Standards state that "A political party and its candidates must not accept donations or benifits from any person or entity which conducts business with the government of Solomon islands or its provinces giving rise to a conflict of interest". Source: Section 10.2 (f) Political Parties Integrity Standards, 2014 |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
Blank Source
Source: Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 Source: Political Parties Integrity Regulations, 2014. |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
Blank Source
Source: Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 Source: Political Parties Integrity Regulations, 2014. |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The issue of the use of state resources is addressed in the Political Parties Integrity Standards, which are Guidlines issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to section 72 of the Political Parties Integity Act 2014. Source
Regulations state that "A political party, its officials, candidates, members agents and supporters must not use official State, Provincial, Municipal or other public resources, facilities,or personnel, including public media for campaign purposes, except for those lawfully, transparently and equitably allocated to a political party. The definition of public resources includes vehicles, vessels and means of communication. in addition MPs who are standing for election must not "sanction or promise grants or payments out of constituency funds as part of an election campaign". Source: Section 8, Political Parties Integrity Standards 2014. |
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 does not limit the amount that can be contributed to a political party over a given period of time (not election specific). Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] does limit candidate election expenditure to $50,000 thereby providing an indirect method of capping donations, but only during the election period. Source
Section 59 (1) of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 only requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. Section 60(1) similarly only requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source" Source: Articles 59(1) and 60(1), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Act, 2014 Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] states that: The expenditure limit was lifted in the National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act 1997 to SI$50,000 (US$7,076) for any one candidate. Source: Global Integrity Report 2012: Solomon Islands https://www.globalintegrity.org/research/reports/global-integrity-report/global-integrity-report-2012/gir-scorecard-2012-solomon-islands/ |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 does not limit the amount that can be contributed to a political party over the period of an election. However, Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] does limit candidate election expenditure to $50,000 thereby providing an indirect method of capping of election donations. Source
Section 59 (1) of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 only requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. Section 60(1) similarly only requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source" Source: Articles 59(1) and 60(1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] states that: The expenditure limit was lifted in the National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act 1997 to SI$50,000 (US$7,076) for any one candidate. Source: Global Integrity Report 2012: Solomon Islands https://www.globalintegrity.org/research/reports/global-integrity-report/global-integrity-report-2012/gir-scorecard-2012-solomon-islands/ |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 does not limit the amount that can be contributed to a candidate over the period of an election. However, Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] does limit candidate election expenditure to $50,000 thereby providing an indirect method of capping of election donations. Source
Section 59 (2) of the Political Parties Integrity Act requires only that the financial statement of the political party must include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate. Source: Article 59(2), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] states that: The expenditure limit was lifted in the National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act 1997 to SI$50,000 (US$7,076) for any one candidate. Source: Global Integrity Report 2012: Solomon Islands https://www.globalintegrity.org/research/reports/global-integrity-report/global-integrity-report-2012/gir-scorecard-2012-solomon-islands/ |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
No
Comment
In the Solomon Islands candidates are primarily responsible for financing their own election campaigns because poltical parties are weak and not well resourced. Placing a limit on the amount that a candidate can contribute to their own campaign could be considered detrimental to their ability to campaign effectively.
Source
Section 59 (2) of the Political Parties Integrity Act requires only that the financial statement of the political party must include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate. Source: Article 59(2), Solomon Islands Poltical Parties Integrity Act, 2014. |
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the question of in kind donations. The Political Party Integrity Standards which were issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to Section 72 of the Political Parties Integrity Act does address the issue of in kind donations, however these standards are guidelines only and not legally enforceable. Source
Section 59 (1) of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 only requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. Section 60(1) similarly only requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source" Source: Articles 59 (1) and 60 (1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 The Political Party Integrity Standards state that "a political party must issue receipts for all contributions received, in cash, or in kind, including services rendered or procured on its behalf by third parties". Source: Article 10.1 (e), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014 |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the question of in kind donations to candidates. This specific issue is also not addressed in the Poltical Party integrity Standards. Source
The Political Parties Integrity Act requires only that the financial statement of the political party must include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate. Source: Article 59(2), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the the engagement of political parties in commercial enterprises. However, the Political Party Integrity Standards do appear to allow for such activity in certain circumstances. Source
Source: Part 6 - Political Parties, Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 Political Party Integrity Standards include the following as legitimate activites of a poltical party "soliciting funding in a transparent manner and engaging in other activities for the furtherance of its objectives". Source: Article 2.2 (b), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014 |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the taking out of loans in relation to election campaigns. The Political Party Integrity Standards which were issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to Section 72 of the Political Parties Integrity Act does address the issue of loans, however these standards are guidelines only and not legally enforceable. Source
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 states only that" A political party shall lodge with the Commission before 31st March each year, beginning in the year ending 2016, an audited annual financial report". Source: Article 61(1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 The Political Party Integrity Standards state that "a political party and its candidates must not conceal assets, benefits, funds, contributions, liabilities, property or donations, including loans". Source: Article 10.3 (a), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014 |
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 was the first legislation enacted to specifically regulate political parties and does not cover all aspects of political party finances, including the taking out of loans by candidates in relation to election campaigns. The Political Party Integrity Standards which were issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to Section 72 of the Political Parties Integrity Act does address the issue of such loans, however these standards are guidelines only and not legally enforceable.
Source
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 states only that" A political party shall lodge with the Commission before 31st March each year, beginning in the year ending 2016, an audited annual financial report". Source: Article 61(1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 The Political Party Integrity Standards state that "a political party and its candidates must not conceal assets, benefits, funds, contributions, liabilities, property or donations, including loans". Source: Article 10.3 (a), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014 |
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
No
Source
Source: Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. |
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
No
Source
Source: Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, regularly
Comment
Political parties recieve an annual administrative grant for every serving MP in their party, with an additional grant for every female MP. Source
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act entitles political parties "to claim one or both of the following grants after their elected MPs have taken their oaths on the floor of Parliament: (a) a temporary special measures grant of $10,000 payable annually for every women elected to Parliament; and (b) an administration grant of $20,000 for each Member of Parliament of the political party, payable annually to the political party after submission of its annual financial report under section 61". Source: Articles 58 (1) (a) and (b), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Number of members
Comment
Political parties can make an annual claim for public funded grants for each of their elected MPs, but the value of the grants provided are greater for female MPs. Source
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act entitles political parties "to claim one or both of the following grants after their elected MPs have taken their oaths on the floor of Parliament: (a) a temporary special measures grant of $10,000 payable annually for every women elected to Parliament; and (b) an administration grant of $20,000 for each Member of Parliament of the political party, payable annually to the political party after submission of its annual financial report under sectionn 61. Source: Article 58 (1) (a) and (b), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 |
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Number of members
Comment
Funding is provided to poltical parties for each currently serving MP. Source
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act specifies the amount of public funding that political parties can claim for each serving male and female MP on an annual basis: "(a) a temporary special measures grant of $10,000 payable annually for every women elected to Parliament; and (b) an administration grant of $20,000 for each Member of Parliament of the political party" Source: Article 58 (1) (a) and (b), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
Ongoing party activities
Comment
Public funding provided to political parties can only be used for the party's administrative costs, not ongoing party activites in general. The Political Party Integrity Standards which were issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to Section 72 of the Political Parties Integrity Act addresses the issue of use of public funds, however these standards are guidelines only and not legally enforceable. Source
Public funds payable to a political party "shall be used for the party's administrative cost" Source: Article 58 (6), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 A political party must "use direct and indirect public funding only for their legal purposes" Source: Article 10.1(g), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014
|
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
There are no provisions in the Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 or National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act 1996 relating to subsidised access to media for political parties. Source
Source: Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 and National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act 1996 |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Not applicable
|
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
There are no provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates in existing legislation relating to political parties or elections. Source
Source: The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014, National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act 1996 |
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
No
Comment
There are no provisions for any other form of indirect public funding for candidates in existing legislation relating to political parties or elections. Source
Source: The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014, National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act 1996 |
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
Public funding is only provided to political parties for women MPs after they have been elected. Source
A temporary special measures grant of $10,000 is payable annually for every women elected to Parliament Source: Article 58(1) (a) Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 |
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
Other
Comment
Political parties recieve additional public funding if a female candidate is elected.
Source
A temporary special measures grant of $10,000 is payable annually to the political party for every women candidate elected to Parliament. Source: Article 58 (1) (a) and (b), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014. |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Comment
BLANK Source
"The following persons shall be deemed to be guilty of bribery within the meaning of this Act—(a) any person who directly or indirectly, by hi mself or by any other person on his behalf, gives, lends, or agrees to give or lend, or offers, promises or promises to procure or to endevour to procure, any money or valuable consideration to or for any elector or to or for any person on behalf of any elector, or to or for any other person, in order to induce such elector to vote or to refrain from voting, or corruptly does any such act as aforesaid on account of any elector having voted or refrained from voting at any election" Source: Article 71(a) National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act,1996 |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
No
Comment
Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act governs only electoral expenses of candidates, not political parties. Source
Source: National ParliamentElectoral Provisions Act, 1996 |
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
BLANK Source
Section 45 of the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] governs electoral expenses of candidates. It states: The expenditure limit was lifted in the National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act 1997 to SI$50,000 (US$7,076) for any one candidate. Source: Global Integity Report 2012 Solomom Islands |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Value shown in Solomon Island Dollars
Comment
BLANK Source
The National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act [Cap 87] governs only electoral expenses of candidates. "It states: The expenditure limit was lifted in the National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act 1997 to SI$50,000 (US$7,076) for any one candidate. Source: Article 45, National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment)Act,1997. www.paclii.org/sb/legis/consol_act/npepa426/
|
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
No
Comment
BLANK Source
The legislation on electoral expenses refers only to candidates; "Each candidate shall submit to the Returning Officer within one month of the declaration of the result of the election a statement of account, specifying all expenses incurred by him in his election campaign. Source: Article 45(1), National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act, 1996
|
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
BLANK Source
Source: The electoral law which limits total electoral spending of candidates does not identify particular kinds of expenses, such as spending on traditional media. r Source: Article 45, National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act,1997 |
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
BLANK Source
Source Source: The electoral law which limits total electoral campaign spending of candidates does not identify particular kinds of expenses, such as spending on online media advertising. Source: Article 45, National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act,1997 |
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
No
Comment
BLANK Source
Source: The electoral law which limits total electoral spending of candidates does not identify particular kinds of expenses, such as spending on online media advertisments. Source: Article 45, National Parliament Electoral Provisions (Amendment) Act,1997 |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The role of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Commission is to oversee the registration, administration and development of political parties and ensure compliance with the Political Parties Integrity Act, which includes a requirement for regular financial reporting by political parties. Source
Legislation requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source". In addition, poltical parties are required to "lodge with the Commission before 31st March every year an audited annual financial report. Source: Articles 60 (1) and 61 (1), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The role of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Commission is to oversee the registration, administration and development of political parties and ensure compliance with the Political Parties Integrity Act, which includes a requirement for financial reporting by political parties after each election. Source
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses". Source: Article 59 (1), Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Act, 2014 |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The role of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Commission is to oversee the registration, administration and development of political parties and ensure compliance with the Political Parties Integrity Act, which includes a requirement for financial reporting by political parties for each of their candidates. Source
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses", both for the Party itself and for each of its election candidates. Source: Article 59 (1) and (2), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014
|
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
No
Comment
The Leadership Code (Further Provisions) Act 1996 states that leaders (see Chapter VIII of the SI Constitution), who would constitute third parties, must make regular financial disclosures to the Leadership Code Commission (see Part II of the Act). Such disclosures could identify any financial transactions or gifts received during an election period by such third parties. Source
Source: Chapter VIII, Leadership Code, Articles 93-95 Solomon Islands Constitution, 1978. Source: Part II, Articles 5 and 6, Leadership Code (Further Provisions) Act, 1996.
|
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
No
Comment
The SI Political Party integrity Act does not require political parties, candidates, or the Political Parties Commission to whom they report, to publish any information about political parties or candidates finances. The Political Party Integrity Standards, which were issued by the Political Parties Commission pursuant to Section 72 of the Political Parties Integrity Act, state that political parties and its candidates must not conceal assets, benefits, contributions, or donations, including loans. However it does not require parties or candidates to publicly reveal such information. Electoral legislation requires candidates to submit a statement of election expenses to the Returning Officer, but there is no obligation on the Returning Officer to make such information public. Source
Source: Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 Source: Solomon Islands Political Party Integrity Standards, 2014 Source: National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act, 1996 |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political Party candidates are not required to independently submit their own financial returns. Source
Legislation requires that political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. In addition, political parties shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source". Political parties must also "include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate". Regulations require that the prescribed forms (PPI 34 and PPI 35) must include, for every donation above $1,000 the name and address of every donor (cash or in-kind) and the place of incorporation of corporate donors. Source: Articles 59 (1) (2) and 60 (1),Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 Source: Regulations 42 and 43, Political Parties Integrity Regulations, 2014. |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political Party candidates are not required to independently submit their own financial returns.
Source
Source: Source: Articles 59 (1) (2) and 60 (1) (2), Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
No
Comment
Regulations require that poltical parties maintain accounts, showing all receipts and payments and the balances of all accounts. Source
Regulations require that political parties maintain accounts, showing all receipts and payments and the balances of all accounts. The accounts must itemise the destination of all expenditure. "Destination" means the person, or entity that received the expenditure, including the name, nationality, business interest in Solomon Islands and business type. Political parties are required to lodge their audited accounts with the Political Parties Commission on an annual basis. In regard to electoral expenses, "each candidate shall submit to the Returning Officer within one month of the declaration of the result of the election a statement of account, specifying all expenses incurred by him in his election campaign". Source: Regulation 38, Political Parties Integrity Regulations, 2014. Source: Article 45, National ParliamentElectoral Provisions Act, 1996. |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
Comment
The Solomon Islands Political Parties Commission, Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and the Auditor General recieve financial reports from poltical parties and candidates. Source
Political parties shall "within 90 days after the close of the polling in an election, lodge with the {Political Parties} Commission in the prescribed form a financial statement of donations received, including their sources, and election expenses. Section 60(1) similarly requires that a political party shall "in each calendar year lodge with the Commission quarterly returns in the prescribed form setting out any donations received by or on behalf of the political party from any source". The financial statement of the political party must also "include the donations received, their sources and the election expenses for each candidate". Political parties must also "lodge with the Commission before 31st March every year an audited annual financial report:. The report itemises all income and expenditure. The Political Parties Commission must send copies of political party audited financail reports to the Auditor General for certification of acceptance. The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission also recieves financial information from candidates who "submit to the Returning Officer within one month of the declaration of the result of the election a statement of account, specifying all expenses incurred by him in his election campaign". Source: Articles 59 (1) (2) ,60 (1), 61, and 62, Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014 Source: Article 45, National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act 1996 |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Special agency for political finance
Comment
The Political Parties Commission and Auditor General both play a role in the auditing of political party finances. Source
Political parties must appoint an auditor to examine and report on their finances. However, in addition the Political Parties Commission, with the consent of the Auditor General, may "appoint an auditor to undertake a specific audit of a political party's accounts when it considers necessary". The appointed auditor has extensive powers to examine party accounting records and other relevent documents. The Commission must send a copy of the special audit report to the Auditor General and "may only consider the audited report after the Auditor General has certified aceptance of it". The Regulations and Integrity Standards associated with the Political Parties Integrity Act address in further detail the issue of party financial accountability and transparency. Source: Articles 59-62, Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. Source: Regulations 40 - 46, Political Parties Integrity Regulations, 2014. Source: Section 10, Political Parties Integrity Standards, 2014. |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Refer for investigation
Impose sanctions
Source
The Political Parties Commission, with the consent of the Auditor General, may "appoint an auditor to undertake a specific audit of a political party's accounts when it considers necessary". The appointed auditor has extensive powers to examine party accounting records and other relevent documents. The Commission must send a copy of the special audit report to the Auditor General and "may only consider the audited report after the Auditor General has certified aceptance of it". The Regulations and Integrity Standards associated with the Political Parties Integrity Act address in further detail the issue of party financial accountability and transparency. The Commission has the power to deregister a poltical party if it has "breached the Integrity standards set out by the Commission as prescribed by this Act {the Poltical Parties Integrity Act 2014}and regulations. A political party that contravenes Articles 59 -61 'commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of 50,000 penalty units". Source: Articles 31, 59-62, and 65 Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014. Source: Regulations 40 - 46, Political Parties Integrity Regulations, 2014. Source: Section 10, Political Parties Integrity Standards, 2014. |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Source
The Political Parties Commission has the power to "investigate and enquire into the affairs of a political party for the purpose of ascertaining any breach of the Act". The Commission can deregister a political party if it has "breached the Integrity standards set out by the Commission as prescribed by this Act {the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014}and regulations. A political party that contravenes Articles 59 -61 relating to financial reporting 'commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of 50,000 penalty units". Source: Articles 6, 31, and 65, Solomon Islands Political Parties Integrity Act, 2014.
|
