Disability Equity in Politics and Elections in Solomon Islands

Abstract

Disability equity is a stated priority area for the Solomon Islands government and its key international development partners, including Australia. Around 16 per cent of men and 17 per cent of women in Solomon Islands live with a disability. Older people and rural residents report higher rates of disability, with the most prevalent disability reported being difficulty seeing (SINSO 2017). People with disabilities face widely acknowledged barriers to accessing education, healthcare and employment (PDF 2018). Less explored, however, is the underrepresentation and underparticipation of citizens with disabilities in politics and elections.