Citizens of the Solomon Islands have begun voting in national elections. More than 800 election stations have opened across the Pacific island nation's 1000 islands.
The country's police are out in force and on high alert hoping to avoid the kind of violence that has marred previous polls following unpopular results.
Election officials have reported some hiccups with ballot boxes and election rolls, especially in some remote provinces, but reports from the capital Honiara describe a peaceful and calm mood on Wednesday.
A record 508 candidates hope to win a seat in the nation's 50-seat parliament. Vote counting is expected to be finished by August 8.
Later this month, after an intense period of negotiating between the elected members, a coalition government is expected to be formed and the prime minister will be chosen.
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Elections are a tumultuous time for the Solomons, a country still reeling from more than a decade of ethnic tensions that in 2003 led to the deployment of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), an Australian-led peacekeeping force.
The Commander of RAMSI's Participating Police Force, Wayne Buchhorn, said in a statement they were helping the election process where they could.
"RAMSI police and military contingents are currently working closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
"Supporting the RSIPF in ensuring effective safety and security measures are in place for this election is our highest priority," he said.
