Supporters of the newly elected MP for North Malaita, Vika Lusibaea, are defending her election win, describing it as "the choice of the people."

In an e-mail to Solomon Times, supporters of Mrs Lusibaea say that for a prominent women leader to question their choice is unfortunate.

"We have been very satisfied with how our former MP managed our constituency, we are sure Mrs Lusibaea will carry forward the good plans that was started by her husband."

They have called on those that choose to discredit their newly elected MP to respect their decision.

Mrs Vika Lusibaea is only the second women to be elected into the National Parliament. This is well below the Pacific average, where women suffer the worst rate of representation in parliaments.