The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has launched a dialogue on possible new electoral systems for the country.
He told a meeting of MPs the draft federal constitution already shows broad public support to move from First-Past-The-Post to a preferential voting system.
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare has been appointed chair of the Pacific Islands Development Forum. Photo: UN Photo/Kim Haughton
The prime minister said MPs have requested more detailed discussions on a system that will require MPs to win a majority of 50 percent plus one or closer to that benchmark.
He also highlighted two other critical issues; the need to get more women elected into Parliament, and the introduction of an anti-defection measure.
Mr Sogavare said he is fully supportive of having more women in Parliament and said there is definitely a need to achieve effective political stability.
The dialogue process is being supported by the UNDP, the Australian Government and the European Union.
Week political party members will have their say on the proposed reforms later this week.
