Unbounded Politics in the Solomon Islands: Leadership and Party Alignments

Abstract

The Melanesian countries of the Southwest Pacific--Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Republic of Vanuatu--have remained committed to an open, competitive democratic political process since achieving independence. Unlike former colonies in Africa that preceded them in decolonization, these states have held regular national elections that have seen the defeat of governments and the turnover of national leaders. In addition, the use of noconfidence motions has added another dynamic element to the political process. However, the Melanesian cultural setting has modified the inherited Westminster of government. The political process has featured a weak party system, a central role for independent MPs, and shifting coalitions to construct new governments. This Melanesian variant can be termed an unbounded model of politics. The Solomon Islands is utilized here as an example of this important Melanesian adaptation.

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