HONIARA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chief Electoral Officer of Solomon Islands Jasper Anisi has hailed Wednesday's joint election, encompassing both national and provincial elections, as a remarkably peaceful event for the nation.

As the polling stations closed, with each ballot box sealed, it marked the conclusion of a day where Solomon Islands citizens turned out in significant numbers to exercise their voting rights.

The enthusiasm among voters was evident as many queued up early in the morning to cast their ballots.

In preparation for the election, over 1 million ballot papers were printed to ensure that the 420,253 registered voters had the opportunity to make their voices heard.

A total of 334 candidates are vying for 50 seats in the parliamentary election. Party-affiliated candidates outnumber independent candidates 219 to 115.

Meanwhile, 816 candidates are contending for positions in the provincial assemblies and 89 for the Honiara City Council.

With the polls closed, the focus shifts to the tallying of votes from the 1,106 polling stations spread across the islands.

"We are awaiting results from 1,106 polling stations to provide clear reports," Anisi told a press conference.

Following the closure of polling stations, the ballot boxes will be transported to the designated counting centers, where the meticulous counting process will commence. Anisi outlined that the initial step in this process will involve the verification of each polling station's results.

The national and provincial governments will by law be formed within the next 14 days respectively by members of the national parliament and members of the provincial assemblies. They will govern for a four-year term. Enditem

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