The election was precipitated by the arrest, conviction for fraud and jailing of sitting MP Charles Dausabea, who had held the seat since the 2006 general election.[2]
A total of twenty-six candidates stood in the by-election.[3] Among them was a former MP, Alfred Sasako.[4] The election was held on September 25, 2008, in thirty-nine polling stations. The Solomon Times reported that many voters and other residents stayed "around to watch the whole day", viewing the election as "entertainment".[4] The newspaper also reported that the election was "filled with drama, with candidates and supporters accusing certain camps of corrupt dealings".[5]
Results
The following candidates finished first, second and third, respectively. Silas Milikada -described by the Solomon Times as a "private businessman"- was duly elected MP for East Honiara. Dr. George Manimu contested the result, claiming "corrupt dealings and voting irregularities", unsuccessfully.[5]