Can Solomon Islands escape its clientelist trap?

Abstract

In one sense, Solomon Islands has performed remarkably well as a democracy since independence in 1978. It has not lapsed into autocracy and has held elections at regular intervals. In another sense, however, Solomon Islands has been much less successful as a democratic nation-state. Democracy has not brought good political governance. And poor governance has contributed to development problems. In this chapter I explain why democracy has not brought better governance. The explanation hinges on the clientelist nature of the country’s electoral politics and the political incentives clientelism generates. I also look at possible pathways to improving political governance in Solomon Islands.