Solomon Islands election: voters head to polls that could decide future of China security ties | Solomon Islands

Solomon Islanders have begun voting in a national election, the first since the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, struck a security pact with China in 2022 and drew the Pacific Islands nation closer to Beijing.

The election outcome will be closely watched by the US, China and Australia for its potential impact on regional security, although Solomon Islands voters will be focused on struggling health services, education and inadequate roads, opposition parties said.

Sogavare has pledged to further bolster relations with Beijing if he is re-elected, while his main challengers want to wind…