Solomon Islands - August 2022
Pressure on public broadcaster
The government accused the public broadcaster of a “lack of ethics and professionalism” for covering riots and a no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister, and moved to take more direct control of the organization. This has sparked concerns over censorship.
Sources: Brisbane Times
Delayed elections?
Opposition Members of Parliament and civil society groups accused Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of attempting to force a bill through Parliament without proper procedures in order to delay next year’s scheduled elections. Opponents cited the lack of a convincing rationale for the postponement and worries that Sogavare was planning to extend his hold on power.
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Cash for votes revealed
A parliamentary budget committee was told that the Office of the Prime Minister disbursed $1.16m of Chinese government funds to 39 of 50 Members of Parliament before a failed no-confidence vote in December of last year. The funds provided by China were to be used at the discretion of the Prime Minister and have prompted concerns Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is using bribery to stay in power.
Sources: Voice of America
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