Upcoming general elections 2014

Hi
I'm planning a trip of about 3 weeks to the Solomons from mid-october to early november 2014. Just read in a website that there are general elections scheduled for the end of october) and that there is a chance of violence and riots around those dates. Any inside information? Is it something worth taking seriously, even to the point of considering a different destination (a second option would be Vanuatu)?
Thanks!
JJ

Keep an eye on this Australian Government site for sound advise.
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Solomon_Islands

Cheers,
Peter

I asked Ozziegiraffe about this (she's currently out of Wifi range), as she goes to Solomons more often than I do. Her response:

"Definitely not on a PNG scale. Even the Australians are now saying to exercise a normal degree of caution, and avoid large gatherings. Even soccer matches at Lawson Tama can get aggro, but if you avoid crowds that look cranky I can't imagine any problems to outsiders. I don't think they even have an election date yet."

She is referring to Honiara. If you are staying elsewhere you should be perfectly okay. Actually, you should be okay in Honiara as well. I went to Solomons (Honiara) both before and after the Peace Accord was signed, and there was no danger to me or any other expat (no tourists were going in at the time). I suspect Ozziegiraffe went in and out during the 'tension' years as well. The outcome has been a rise in street crime, but it isn't rampant, and like Ozzie says, nowhere near PNG standards. Normal precautions should be okay, but keep an eye on the Australian government site, although the warnings that come out of these government sites are often overblown. And the warnings probably only relate to the capital Honiara.

Thanks guys! We'll go ahead and book flights this weekend :-)
JJ

Hi, I spent a month in the Solomon Islands a couple of months ago when there were riots on just after the flooding disaster.
All I can say is to avoid the main street and the government building areas where people will gather.
Honiara isn't the nicest place so I would advise heading to the outer islands almost as soon as you arrive.
Once out of Honiara, it is an amazing country. I headed to the Western Province and stayed at a variety of budget guest houses and had the time of my life meeting local people and living in villages.
Feel free to ask me any questions.
Jonny

JJ
The actual election date has still not been set, so the option for it to be late Oct has now passed. The next likely possible date will be late Nov, so your travel plans (Late Oct early Nov) should be no problem at all. Honiara is not too bad at all providing you are self aware and also aware of your surroundings - just remember 'if you look like a target, you will probably be one'.
As Jonny said, "once out of Honiara..."
I couldn't agree more!

Enjoy your travels.
Stew