General

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Leading figures ::
Manasseh Sogavare, Patteson Oti, Francis Zama, Peter Shanel,  Japhet Waipora, Bernard Ghiro, Isaac Inoke, Leslie Boseto.

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Status ::

Launched on 16 January 2010, OUR Party is a revitalised political grouping led by two time former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (who led the Social Credit Party from 2006-2010).  Sogavare’s political grouping has a new name and revised policy platform to contest the 2010 general elections. A poll taken in March 2010 in East Honiara, indicated that Manasseh Sogavare was the preferred candidate for prime minister. OUR Party has launched its party platform in all provincial areas and is seeking to capture a broad voter base by running candidates in most of the seats.

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Links ::

OUR Party is made up of loyal supporters of Manasseh Sogavare who were part of his Grand Coalition for Change Government (GCCG) before joining the former prime minister in opposition following his ousting in a motion of no confidence in December 2007. OUR Party secretary general, Patteson Oti, who was Foreign Minister under Prime Minister Sogavare, contested the parliamentary vote to replace Mr Sogavare, which was won by Derek Sikua. The party’s constitution states that it is opposed to affiliating with any political, religious or welfare organisations or groups, however will entertain forming a coalition with parties with similar objectives in the event it does not secure sufficient numbers to form a government in its own right.

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Parliamentary seats ::

As a new party formed to contest the 2010 elections, the party held no seats in the last parliament although the party includes 8 members of the opposition in the last parliament: Manasseh Sogavare, Patteson Oti, Francis Zama, Peter Shanel,  Japhet Waipora, Bernard Ghiro, Isaac Inoke, Leslie Boseto.

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Policies and outlook  ::

Under the motto ‘Lead to Empower for Prosperity’, the party’s platform for the 2010 election contains a comprehensive policy agenda. Approached in the context of ‘Getting the 2010 – 2014 Focus Right’ the narrative builds on the philosophy of the ‘bottom up approach’ – bringing development to the rural areas. The following is a selection of the key policy commitments detailed in the party’s Constitution and Framework Policy:

• Adopt a ‘selective engagement’ approach in the conduct of the country’s foreign relations. 
• Put in place a long-term (multi-decade) national development plan.
• Advocate ethical leadership and enact a Code of Conduct Bill for Members of Parliament and a Political Parties Bill to address corruption at the national level.
• Pursue a peace and reconciliation process based on decentralisation of development to address to the possible negative aspects of adopting a state government system in the country.
• Continue to actively monitor the progress of the recovery process and the restoration program of RAMSI.
• Pursue constitutional reform to move governance and decision-making to the people while simultaneously promoting ‘diversity in unity’ to consolidate national unity.
• Rebuild and strengthen the public service machinery, and downsize the public service.
• Review and reduce tax rates as well as the current tight fiscal and monetary policies.
• Pursue the policy of government direct intervention in the private sector by investing public funds in strategic sectors such as Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
• Bring in legislation to establish a Special Economic Zone strategy to enable quality investors to invest in major projects in these sectors in the rural areas.
• Invest $250 million over a period of 4 years in the tourism sector.
• Facilitate and support the development of Oil Palm projects on Malaita, Choiseul, Western and Makira Provinces with the involvement of foreign investors and resource owners.
• Enact the current draft Forestry Bill. 
• Invest $200 million over 4 years in the fishery sector to build export facilitating infrastructure.
• Progress work on establishing fishing and fish processing companies at Suava Bay, Malaita, and at Tenaru on Guadalcanal.
• Facilitate Gold Ridge Mining Ltd to start mining operations by 2010.
• Review the Minerals and Mining Act.
• Establish an Industrial and Modernization Fund (IMF) to help Solomon Islanders enter key business.
• Special tax incentives will be given, where appropriate, to businesses involved in manufacturing and processing especially those in the exporting industries.
• Develop sporting infrastructures and facilities in all the provinces.
• Enact appropriate Laws and regulations to protect and safeguard the unique indigenous music of Solomon Islands.
• Build an additional international airport capable of taking on large planes to the size of a Boeing 747 in a central location.
• Upgrade the Honiara International Airport, all provincial airfields and build new ones in strategic locations.
• Provide affordable electricity in all provinces using renewable energy sources (hydro, solar, wind) and to provide budgetary support for the purpose, including progressing the Tina Hydro Project. 
• Provide educational and training opportunities, including special need education, as a right to all citizens, with special recognition to gender balance.
• Pursue the TVET (Technical, Vocational, Education and Training) and progress the establishment of the fourth USP Campus in Solomon Islands.
• Establish free-trade zones.
• Enact legislation to promote fair trading practices.
• Enact the National Planning Legislation.
• Adequately resource the Police Force.
• Legislate for the recognition of the authority of Chiefs and other traditional leaders for the administration of justice over custom matters at the local level.
• Adequately resource the Law Reform Commission to enhance justice sector reforms.
• Enact appropriate legislation and regulations to guide and facilitate the exploration and exploitation of minerals, oil and natural gas.
• Introduce legislation that recognises tribes as traditional institutes that own land rather than individuals.
• Pursue the implementation of the National Women’s Policy.
• Review and develop a new National Youth Policy.
• Establish a National Youth Corps.
• Review relevant laws to improve the censorship of films, videos and filter the intrusion of foreign influences that threaten the Christian way of life.
• Enact legislation to ban smoking in government buildings as well as in public places and transport.

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History ::
Founded by two time former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare and his political colleagues on 16 January 2010. Mr Sogavare was the sixth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands from 2000 to 2001 and again from 2006 to 2007. On both occasions his rise to the top job was surrounded by great political upheaval. Having served as Finance Minister in the government led by Bartholomew Ulufa’alu, Mr Sogavare had a falling out with his prime minister in 1998 and went on to become the leader of the opposition following the passing of the late Solomon Mamaloni in January 2000. In June of that year Mr Sogavare was elected as Prime Minister after Ulufa’alu was captured by rebels and forced to resign. He served as prime minister until the general election in December 2001, in which his party won three seats. In May 2006, Mr Sogavare was again elected prime minister, this time following the short-lived premiership of Snyder Rini, which had resulted in the Honiara riots. Mr Sogavare has served in the national parliament as the member for East Choiseul since 1997. In the last parliament he served as the leader of the opposition following his ousting as Prime Minister in a motion of no confidence in December 2007. Mr Sogavare has previously (re)founded and led the People’s Progressive Party (2001-2006 drawing on the name of the party first led by the late Solomon Mamaloni between 1973 and 1975 – Mamaloni’s PPP ceased to exist after merging with the Rural Alliance to form what is now People’s Alliance Party in 1977) and the Social Credit Party (2006-2010). As Prime Minister in 2006 he formed a six party ‘Grand Coalition for Change’ government.

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Contact details ::
P.O. Box: 1347,
Honiara, Solomon Islands
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Sources

The Constitution of Our Party Trust Board (INC), 2009
The Policy Framework of Our Party Trust Board (INC), 2009
“Will Sogavare be the next PM”? Solomon Star 19 March 2010.

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Leading figures ::
Rudolf Henry Dora (president)

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Status ::
A new party established to contest the 2010 election.
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Links ::
Unknown.
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Parliamentary seats ::
As a new party formed to contest the 2010 elections it held no seats in the last parliament.
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Policies and outlook ::

In launching the party, Rudolf Dorah party president and founder, said:

“Our regional and international development partners are shocked at the stunning truth that despite Solomon Islands being endowed with rich natural resources, yet our nation is among the poorest performing economies in the Pacific region, characterised by poor national infrastructures, poor education infrastructures, poor health and medical services, and unstable political culture” (Solomon Star, 12 March 2010).

The main issues identified by the party include:

• Increasing rural poverty
• Deep seated land disputes threatening to wreak havoc on the economy
• An inappropriate Westminster system that has been abused by MPs for personal gain
• An unbalanced banking system that serves the rich at the expense of the poor
• A leadership crisis
• The threat of climate change. 

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History ::

A new party established to contest the 2010 election. Party founder, Rudolf Dorah is a former former foreign affairs officer and diplomat. 

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Contact details ::
To be advised. {/accordion}

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Sources

‘A fresh start for the better… People’s Federation Party sets to be launched’, Solomon Star, 12 March 2010

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Leading figures ::
Danny Philip, Kenny Igilave, Kaipua Tohibangu, Billy Gina, Douglas Alex, Ronald Fugui, Ishmail Aguilla, Roscoe Zingihite.
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Status ::
Launched in early April 2010, RDP is a new party formed to contest the 2010 general election.
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Links ::

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Parliamentary seats ::
As a new party formed to contest the 2010 elections it held no seats in the last parliament. Party founder, Danny Philip, was a Member of Parliament between 1984-2001, representing the constituency of South New Georgia-Rendova-Tetepari.

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Policies and outlook ::

RDP takes the line that the Constitution has given far reaching powers, priority and importance to the state above the needs and aspirations of the citizens of the country. The party seeks to bring about reforms to create a ‘caring and more responsible people-state relationship’, in which customary land is institutionalised with a land tenure system that encourages the owners and others to work together towards achieving a sustainable Commonwealth. The RDP has indicated that it would seek to pass legislation similar to the failed Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill. The party’s legislative programme would concentrate on the following:

• The Solomon Islands Customary Land Institutionalisation Bill.
• The Solomon Islands Customs and Traditions Application and Exemption Bill.
• The Solomon Islands Demographic and Coding Bill.
• The Solomon Islands Political Parties and Parliamentarians Integrity Bill.
• The Solomon Islands Federal Constitution Bill.

Key policy priorities include:

• Implementing a federal system of government.
• Empower traditional chiefs and community leaders to exercise authority over village affairs.
• Deployment of 60% of public officers to the Growth Centres in direct response to the introduction of the Federal System of Government.
• The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands will be allowed to stay on until such time as its work is no longer required.
• Although sympathetic and supportive, the party does not consider it appropriate to establish separate electorates for women to enter Parliament.
• Free education from years 1 – year 9 and to subsidise the cost of education from years10 – year 13.
• Return of alienated lands to tribal land holding will be done according to law and for the benefit of all parties concerned.
• Reversing urban drift – squatter settlements are deemed to be due to the failure of the state to take socio-economic development to the rural areas.
• Increasing trade and investment with MSG countries with view to establishing a Pan Melanesian Economic Union.
• Complete border negotiations with Papua New Guinea and set up a fully-fledged border administration in Shortlands.
• Upgrade provincial hospitals and establish rural health clinics at the Growth Centres.
• Promote anti-smoking, alcohol abstention, safe sex, anti-domestic violence, gender balance and safe environment for the benefit of the youth.
• Promote Carbon Access Programs (Carbon Trading) and Development of Clean Development Mechanisms (CDMs) and Alternative fuels.
• Search for international cooperation for the joint harnessing of petroleum, marine exploration and mining, and exploitation of other sealed resources in Solomon Islands waters (EEZ).
• Pursue implementation of the following existing projects: Aluta Palm Oil Project, Bina Harbour Industrial Town Project (only inline with the development of the Growth Centres), Munda International Airport, Tina Hydro Scheme.
• Pursue development of the following proposed projects: Rural Energy Projects, Rural Growth Centres, International Sea Port Project in Temotu Province, Yandina Export Wharf Improvement Project, Domestic Airports Improvement Project, Rural Telecommunication Project, Rural Wharves Project.

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History ::

The Reform and Democratic Party was founded in 2009 by Mr. Danny Philip who gathered around him a group of like minded enthusiasts, referred to as the “coffee club”, who met occasionally to discuss and exchange viewpoints which over time formed the basic polices of the party. Danny Philip is a long serving member of parliament (1984-2001) and served as foreign minister from 1995 to 1996 and again from July 2000 to June 2001. He also served briefly as deputy to the late former prime minister Solomon Mamaloni. Philip was replaced in a cabinet reshuffle and maintains there was no personal animosity between him and his former leader.

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Contact details ::
PO Box 1231, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Tel:+677 39183
philips.danny@yahoo.com

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Sources

Manifesto of the Reform and Democratic Party of Solomon Islands: General Election 2010

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Leading figures ::
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Status ::
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Links ::
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Sources

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Leading figures ::
Job Dudley Tausinga (president), Gordon Darcy Lillo, Toswel Kaua, Patrick Vahoe (Jnr), Matthew Fakaia (secretary), Loisa Fakaia (treasurer), Ashley Wickham (policy coordinator).

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Status ::
Founded in 2005, the party is contesting its second national general election. For the 2010 election, the party has set an ambitious target of 3 seats per province. A more realistic prospect would likely see SIPRA return in coalition with the main players in the previous CNURA government.The party has no specific regional strengths and in the past has picked up members from different parts of the country. In the last parliament, members were drawn from Western Province, Malaita and Isabel province.
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Links ::
SIPRA has indicated its intention to coalesce with the remaining parties of the previous Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) government led by Prime Minister Derek Sikua (Democratic Party, Nasnol Pati and the Association of Independent Members).

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Parliamentary seats ::
The party held 5 seats in the last parliament - Job Dudley Tausinga (MP for North New Georgia), Gordon Darcy Lillo, Toswel Kaua (MP for Baegu/Asifola), Patrick Vahoe (Jnr) (MP for Malaita Outer Islands) and Samuel Manetoali (MP for Gao/Bugotu) who has since left to establish the Rural Urban Party in the lead up to the 2010 elections.

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Policies and outlook  ::

In addition to releasing its election prospectus, the party has produced a number of discussion papers covering policies across a range of issues (including: the national pension scheme, rural fuel price stabilization, RAMSI leadership and management, governance and traditional and community leadership). The guiding principles outlined in the SIPRA 2010 General Elections Prospectus include:

• The Economy of the country is powered by private initiative and enterprise, begins in rural production and use of natural resources to create surplus, savings, capital formation and wealth. The private sector creates livelihoods that sustain jobs for people. The taxes, duties and fees they pay provide government with income to provide services.
• Politicians are elected to represent their people and ensure legislation, policies and budgets favour the people and their nation’s interests. They are not elected to be project managers or accountants, or involved in the delivery of government development activities and services. The democratic principle of ‘separation of powers’ viz. Legislative, Judicial and Executive must be maintained.
• Public Servants are facilitators of public policy, and in some instances e.g. teachers, nurses, police etc are providers of services to the public. Professional groups, private firms and commercial contractors are also providers of services. All pay taxes to government in some way.
• Good governance (and the principles in the OECD ‘Paris Declaration’ regarding development aid) requires that all funds available to government be appropriated by national parliament including donor funds. Good management requires that a programmatic approach be taken to ensure coherence, coordination and effective delivery of services to the public.
• Democratic governance and gender equity principles insist that women be equitably involved in all
• representative, leadership and management roles as well as in employment and livelihoods.
• Professional and worthy citizens and residents should be appointed to boards of state-owned enterprises, statutory authorities and investment bodies and not politicians.
• Individual Ministers should have no personal or other authority to use their own discretion in matters affecting public revenue income or expenditures. All such matters shall be referred to Cabinet.
• Constitutional reform shall be carried out after a national referendum to ascertain what the majority of Solomon Islanders think about constitutional reform and the direction it should take.
• Policing should be grounded in the national community by having a National Advisory Council for RSIP and Provincial Advisory Boards to assist the Commissioner and his Provincial Commanders.
• SIG foreign policy should reflect Solomon Islands respect for human rights and democratic processes.
• SIG shall uphold the democratic tradition of separation of church and state. Churches can and should be supported by government institutions, but individual politicians should not be involved in channeling government funds to Church institutions.
• The appointment of Prime Minister and approved policies of government must reflect a mandate from the electorates. Parliament must pass appropriate legislation to secure this principle.

Specific policy commitments include:

• Establishing a new national pension (superannuation) scheme.
• Investigating a mechanism to stabilise rural fuel prices and review the official price controls over petrol and diesel in Honiara.
• Requesting the Australian Government to appoint a new RAMSI Special Coordinator (appropriately experienced retired politician) to function as an advisor to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.
• Ensuring all RAMSI programmes and projects are coordinated under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• Normalising all budgeting and disbursement systems to ensure all expenditure is approved through the national parliament.
• Inviting traditional and community leaders in each province to establish a council of leaders to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest relating to community, culture, communications and service delivery – with the aim for eventual institutionalisation of traditional leadership. 

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History ::
The Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (SIPRA) was formed in 2005 to contest the 2006 general election. The party held five seats in the last parliament and was a member of the Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) government led by Prime Minister Derek Sikua. The party is led by Job Dudley Tausinga, who is the long serving member of parliament having been first elected to the North New Georgia constituency in 1984, and held the seat ever since. He served as Minister for Education and Human Resources Development and Minister for Forestry, Environment and Conservation under Prime Minister Derek Sikua. Previously he held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Forestry, Environment and Conservation (April 2006 to 19 December 2006). He has also served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Natural Resources. In addition, Mr Tausinga has a number of private business interests in shipping and logging. Three of the other five party members held cabinet positions in the last government: Gordon Darcy Lillo – Minister of Environment and Conservation, Samuel Manetoali – Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services and Toswel Kaua – Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs.

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Contact details ::
PO Box 161 Honiara, Solomon Islands
Tel: +677 7496856
lagunwe@hotmail.com

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Sources

Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement The Blueprint of Policy Statements and Directions 2006 – 2009
Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement Prospectus 2010 General Elections
SIPRA (2010) Discussion Papers
‘SIPRA to contest 31 seats’,Solomon Star
, 1 July, 2010
Solomon Islands National Parliament website – www.parliament.gov.sb

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Leading figures ::
Fred Fono (president), Seth Gukuna, Hence Vaekesa (secretary general), Sarah Dyer (treasurer)
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Status ::
A new party seeking to build on the reputation of its founder – and afford Fred Fono the opportunity to contest the parliamentary election for the position of prime minister. 

Fred Fono has represented the Central Kwara’ae constituency since 1997.
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Links ::
The party’s founder, Fred Fono, served as Deputy Prime Minister in Derek Sikua’s Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) government from 2007-2010. The CNURA coalition also included the Democratic Party (Matthew Wale), Nasnol Pati (Francis Billy),  Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (Job Dudley Tausinga, Gordon Darcy Lilo) and the Association of Independent Members (Snyder Rini, Tommy Chan). The defeat of the Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill in April 2010 split the coalition.
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Parliamentary seats ::
As a new party formed to contest the 2010 elections it held no seats in the last parliament, although the party founder, 

Fred Fono has held his seat in the 

Central Kwara’ae constituency since 1997.
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Policies and outlook  ::
Despite repeated requests, the party has yet to provide a copy of its election manifesto for inclusion in this publication.

In media interviews shortly after launching the party, its founder Fred Fono, has promised sweeping changes to the way the Rural Constituency Fund (RCDF) is managed, stating “the focus of that party is to make reforms in the constituency development funding. The current system, one of the biggest weaknesses or the hurdles that we face is when these funds are paid through constituencies and members of parliament controls that, you tend to see a lot of people queuing at members of parliament residencies, offices, in order to give out free handout. That is the problem”.

The party will seek to introduce legislation that will require RCDF funds to be managed through local constituency congresses and not MPs.

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History ::
Founded in the lead up to the 2010 election by prominent Solomon Islands political figure 

Fred Fono. As a long serving member of Parliament, Fono has represented the Central Kwara’ae Constituency since 1997 and has held a number of ministerial positions including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Rural Development and Indigenous Affairs in Derek Sikua’s Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) government. Prime Minister Sikua came to power after winning a motion of no confidence against former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in December 2007. Mr Fono was a candidate to replace Snyder Rini as Prime Minister in 2006 but was narrowly defeated by Manasseh Sogavare. In opposition Mr Fono was highly critical of Sogavare, especially the relations between his government and Australia over the Julian Moti affair, and was instrumental in the eventual toppling of Sogavare as Prime Minister.
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Contact details ::
To be advised
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Sources

‘I will Contest for PM: Fono’,Solomon Times, 15 April 2010
‘Solomons Deputy PM to run for top job’,ABC Radio Australia, 15 April 2010
Solomon Islands National Parliament website -www.parliament.gov.sb

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Leading figures ::
Robert Wale Feratelia  
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Status ::
First established as a civil society group in 2000 (then known as Peoples Power Action Group) it was reactivated and launched on 10 February 2010 as the Peoples Power Action Party (PPAP). The party seeks to draw on history of the former civil society group, which is well known throughout the country.
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Links ::
Given Mr Feratelia’s previous connection with the Sogavare coalition government and criticisms of the outgoing CNURA coalition of Prime Minister Derek Sikua, it is suggested that a successful PPAP may align themselves with OUR Party in an attempt to form a ruling coalition.
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Parliamentary seats ::
As a new party formed to contest the 2010 elections it held no seats in the last parliament.
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Policies and outlook  ::
The party has campaigned under the slogan ‘Securing A Better Future For All’ and its party policy platform includes:

• Establishing a microfinance bank
• Repealing the Investment Act with the aim of creating a level playing field for domestic and foreign investors.
• Reviewing the fee-free education policy.
• Establishing a Solomon Islands University.
• Reviewing the National Provident Fund Act.
• Reviewing the tax system.
• Revitalising the co-operative society doctrine of the 1970s.
• Decentralisation of economic infrastructure projects throughout the country.
• Recognising and re-enforcing the House of Chiefs  - with chiefs to be remunerated for their job and accord them with judicial powers.
• Encouraging downstream processing of the nation’s natural resources.
• Establishing a rural-led growth economy by implementing the ‘bottom up approach’ development strategy.
• Reviewing fisheries policy with the aim of cancelling foreign fishing licences.
• Establishing a venture capital scheme.
• Reviewing agriculture policy.
• Reviewing the Lands Title Act and pursue a land reform policy.
• Rightsizing (downsizing) of the public service.
• Reducing the number of ministries (through amalgamation where appropriate).
• Reviewing national security policy.
• Reviewing health policy.
• Reviewing policies on women, youth and children.
• Review RAMSI and the International Facilitation Act. 

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History ::
First established as a civil society group in 2000 (then known as Peoples Power Action Group) in the aftermath of the tensions. The group sought to stage non-violent protests to voice the concerns of civil society in a ‘forceful but amicable manner’. The group was particularly active in voicing grievances related to the issue of lost and abandoned property claims following the tensions. The group and its leader, Mr Robert Wale Feratelia, were subject to investigations into the 2006 riots. Mr Feratelia was charged with managing or assisting to manage an illegal society and unlawful assembly – in relation to protests against the election of Snyder Rini as prime minister – the trigger to the April 2006 riots. All charges were subsequently dropped, and  Mr Feratelia has repeatedly denied any involvement of himself or the Peoples Power Action Group in the in the burning down and looting of Chinatown. The group lost momentum following the legal wrangling only to be reactivated and launched on 10 February 2010 as the Peoples Power Action Party (PPAP). Mr Feratelia is a former Honiara Lord Mayor, banker and adviser to the Sogavare Coalition Government. He unsuccessfully contested the 2006 election, standing for the seat of East Honiara. Most recently, Mr Feratelia has called for the revocation of caretaker ministers during the election campaign.
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Contact details ::

PO Box 1249, Honiara, Solomon Islands
wales@yahool.com
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Sources

People Power Action Party 2010 National General Election Manifesto
‘New political party to be launched today’, Solomon Star 10 February 2010
‘People Powers Action Party in Solomon Islands denies riot involvement’,PINA 16 February 2010

{accordion}
Leading figures ::
Elijah Owa (president), Jackson Sunaone (vice president), Denis Lulei, Mary Sau (treasurer), Norbert Wate (secretary general), Steven Piringisau (assistant secretary general), Robert Haikiu (public relations officer), Basil Manelegua, Wilfred Akao, Raymond Hite, Juliet Keti (treasurer).

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Status ::
Founded in late 2009, this new party comprised of many former one-term members of parliament keen to return to political life and or seek recognition for their previous service. No reliable feedback is available to determine party strength nationally among the populous. The party members represent different constituencies in the capital and provinces. In addition to its national launch in Honiara, the party released its policy platform in Gizo. The launch event in Honiara was attended by representatives from Makira Province and South Malaita. text here.

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Links ::
Many members have previously aligned themselves with various political parties (some of which no longer exist) over the course of their political activities, including a number of independent members in the last parliament.
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Parliamentary seats ::
As a new party formed to contest the 2010 elections it held no seats in the last parliament.
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Policies and outlook  ::

Under the catch phrase ‘Do it the ASIP Way’, the party advocates for citizens to be fairly resourced and adequately equipped to enable them to play a leading role in the nation building exercise. The party’s 2010 election manifesto sets out the party’s policies with the following objectives intend to:

• The country’s economy is owned by the citizens
• The people’s buying power is improved
• People are granted autonomous rule
• Government directly invest in the country. 

The objectives are to be effected through the following key policies:

• Solomon Islanders must be guaranteed participation and protection in private sector development and their stake should amount to no less than 75% of the total economy.
• The country’s financial sector be regulated so that capital input be equated at 50% foreign investment and 50% by locals.
• Resource owners and state authorities to be fairly compensated for the exploitation of national resources through a regulated ‘receipt mechanism’.
• Improve and extend basic education and medical care.
• Regulate culture, custom and traditional practices so that they form part and parcel of the formal system of the governance apparatus.
• Regulate to control the introduction of extremist religious practices and movements.
• Strategically restructure the community, local government and national government sectors to complement each other and be more responsive of the needs of the people.
• Design a cost effective system of selecting people who occupy (hold representational positions) government seats.
• Put in place a governance mechanism enabling leaders in all walks of life to directly participate in the process of ruling the nation. 

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History ::
Co-founded by former politicians Jackson Sunaone (former member for West Makira) and Denis Lulei (former member for Maringe-Kokota), the party was established in late 2009 and launched its policy platform in early 2010. The party members are mainly former one-term members of parliament.
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Contact details ::
To be advised.
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Sources

Autonomous Solomon Islanders Party Election Manifesto 2010

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Leading figures ::
Delmah Nori, a former president of the Solomon Islands Netball Association and spouse of Andrew Nori, former MP and state minister.

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Status ::
A new party established to contest the 2010 election. The party’s stronghold is in Central Honiara especially amongst young women.

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Links ::
Unknown.

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Parliamentary seats ::

As a new party formed to contest the 2010 elections it held no seats in the last parliament.

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Policies and outlook  ::
The party’s election platform includes:

• The priority of TP4 is to resurrect the economy in order to provide services and development throughout Solomon Islands. More funds will be directed at the industrial, agriculture and fisheries sectors that generate income. 
• Aid money to be shared equality to all provinces to help provincial growth and discourage urban drift.
• TP4 will encourage genuine investors by providing incentives such as tax grace period of 3 years and acquisition of land for development purposes.
• Build more schools and provide housing for students from the provinces who do study in Honiara.
• Develop a special school for disabled children.
• Establish a national university.
• TP4 will legislate to prevent girls from dropping out from school due to pregnancy. 
• Revive the school of marine and shipping services and subsidise private ships owned by indigenous Solomon Islanders.
• TP4 expect RAMSI to train the local police force to be more effective and rid corrupt practices from the force.
• Establish more health clinics, mini hospitals in all provinces, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre and a care centre for HIV and cancer patients.
• Review parliamentarian entitlements and establish a financial institution to cater for the Rural Constituency Development Fund.
• Review National Provident Fund regulations for members to have more access to their funds and establish a pension fund for members.
• Change wording of currency to reflect Solomon Islands as a Christian country.
• Remove taxes on food and medicine.
• Set a flat rate of interest of 5% for housing and business loans for indigenous Solomon Islanders.
• Subsidise indigenous Solomon Islanders existing businesses.
• Grant $20,000 per annum for the establishment of a House of Chiefs.
• Government offices and accommodation to be owned/built by government and not rented from others.
• Establish a housing and transport scheme for government employees.
• Cut the number of ministries to 15.
• Recognise the National Council of Women and other women organisations and reserve ten parliamentary seats for women.
• Full payment of maternity leave for women in all sectors.
• Renegotiate alienated land with landowners for development purposes.
• Foreigners to invest 3 million dollars to qualify to purchase property.
• Ensure a strong relationship between churches and state. 

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History ::
Founded by Delmah Nori in 2010. A former president of the Solomon Islands Netball Association, Ms Nori unsuccessfully contested the 2006 general election vying for the seat of Central Honiara. In launching the party in May 2010, Ms Nori noted the struggle women faced to join the existing, male dominated political parties. Ms Nori is married to Andrew Nori, former MP and state minister, who represented the constituency of West ‘Are’are’ for three terms of parliament (1984-1997) as leader of the National Front for Progress (1989-97). Mr Nori, a lawyer, was spokesperson for the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) during the tensions in early 2000.

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Contact details ::
PO Box 821, Honiara, Solomon Islands