By Anna Kirk, an intern in the Lowy Institute's Melanesia program.
- On 19 November Solomon Islands held its first elections since the wind-down of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands in July 2013.
- Solomon Islanders had to cast their votes in their home electorates, which for many meant a long and hazardous journey. Photographer Tony Bransby captured the scene at the wharves in Honiara.
- Terrence Wood explains the phenomenon of vote buying in Solomon Islands on what’s become known as Devil’s night, the night before elections.
- Jon Fraenkel examines the potential outcomes of the election, including a repeat of post-election violence.
- Tonga is also going to the polls, on 27 November. Pacific Women in Politics provides background on the elections and the women who will be standing.
- Frank Bainimarama has said that the visits to Fiji by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are a reflection of Fiji’s status as a regional leader.However, Graeme Smith uses the opportunity to debunk the top four myths about China’s influence in the Pacific.
- The PNG Government has released a record 2015 budget. This budget increases the controversial funding MPs receive to spend at their own discretion on their electorates.