While the result is still unofficial, the Solomon Islands will most certainly have one female MP sitting in the 10th Parliament – she is Freda Soriacomua for Temotu VATUD.
Mrs Soriacomua ousted Clay Forau Soalaoi, a two term MP and a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade in the Lilo led government.
Mrs Soriacomua becomes only the third woman to enter Parliament, the other two being Hilda Kari and Vika Lusibaea – both also contested but lost.
The poor showing by woman contesting the 2014 General Elections is perhaps due to certain 'cultual' reservations by the voting public.
Denis Lulei, a former MP, told SIBC in a recent interview that it is always a disadvantage for woman contesting such elections since “they have to work harder to convince a voting population that still hold the view that such position of leadership are only for men.”
“But we must continue to encourage woman to contest, they have to work hard to build their base, build their network and speak on issues that are important to voters,” Mr Lulei said.
Twenty six women contested the 2014 National General Elections, with only one making it to Parliament.