Will Solomons become a failed state?

Stuff reports:

The Solomon Islands government has been accused of a “power grab” after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced he is postponing next year’s general election.

Parliament voted last week, 37-10, to delay the election to 2024.

The opposition warns the government’s move could rekindle violence in the Solomons, its growing ties with China drawing concerns, at home and abroad.

MP Peter Kenilorea Jr said postponing the elections would allow Sogavare to consolidate his control over the Pacific nation or, worse, suspend elections altogether.

An election delay should only happen in times of extraordinary events such as a global war, and with bipartisan support.

The constitutional amendment delays the dissolution of the current parliament from May 2023 until the end of next year, shortly after the Pacific Games, and pushes the election to early 2024.

Sogavare also argued in Parliament that the “Solomon Islands could not successfully host both the games and an election next year because of the logistical requirements”.

What nonsense. If they are incapable of hosting the games and running an election, they should resign as incompetent. And the games are six months after the election.

China’s increasing influence in the Solomons is unmistakable, Kenilorea said.

“From the $50 million sports stadium it is building for the Pacific Games to its growing influence over local policing and politics, to a plan for Huawei to build more than 150 telecommunications towers that critics say could enable Chinese surveillance, it is concerning.”

All the signs are bad for the Solomons.