# 1980 Solomon Islands general election

General elections were held in the Solomon Islands on 6 August 1980. They were the first since independence has been achieved two years earlier. The Solomon Islands United Party led by Prime Minister Peter Kenilorea emerged as the largest party, winning 16 of the 38 seats. Following the elections, Kenilorea was re-elected Prime Minister.

## Campaign

A total of 241 candidates contested the 38 seats.

## Results

Around two-thirds of incumbent MPs lost their seats. The election result in West Honiara was annulled by the Electoral Commission after the High Court ruled that the winning candidate Ben Gale had committed electoral offences. The by-election was held in August 1981 and was won by Gordon Billy Gatu of the National Democratic Party who received 681 votes to the 290 for Frank Saemala of the SIUP and 245 for Lilly Ogatina Poznanski, who ran as an independent.
| Party | Party | Votes | % | Seats |
| | Solomon Islands United Party | 10,437 | 17.96 | 13 |
| | People's Alliance Party | 9,085 | 15.64 | 8 |
| | National Democratic Party | 4,878 | 8.40 | 2 |
| | Independents | 33,697 | 58.00 | 15 |
| Total | Total | 58,097 | 100.00 | 38 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 99,843 | – | |
| Source: Solomon Islands Election Resources |||||

### By constituency

| Constituency | Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Notes |
| Central Guadalcanal | Paul Joseph Tovua | Solomon Islands United Party | 608 | 44.71 | Re-elected |
| Central Guadalcanal | Francis George Labu | People's Alliance Party | 244 | 17.94 | |
| Central Guadalcanal | Samuel Topilu | Independent | 196 | 14.41 | |
| Central Guadalcanal | Sam Nesa Chamatete | National Democratic Party | 167 | 12.28 | |
| Central Guadalcanal | M. J. Koba | Independent | 86 | 6.32 | |
| Central Guadalcanal | Jim Vokia | Independent | 59 | 4.34 | |
| Central Malaita | Adrian Bataiofesi | National Democratic Party | 412 | 26.95 | Elected |
| Central Malaita | Collin Gauwane | Solomon Islands United Party | 271 | 17.72 | Unseated |
| Central Malaita | John Paul Dio | Independent | 234 | 15.30 | |
| Central Malaita | B. Bosokuru | Independent | 222 | 14.52 | |
| Central Malaita | R. Folota | Independent | 113 | 7.39 | |
| Central Malaita | Vincent Talauburi | Independent | 97 | 6.34 | |
| Central Malaita | Lionel Oloni | Independent | 81 | 5.30 | |
| Central Malaita | Frank Fosala | Independent | 41 | 2.68 | |
| Central Malaita | F. Kona | Independent | 23 | 1.50 | |
| Central Malaita | George Maelalo | Independent | 20 | 1.31 | |
| Central Malaita | Pita Saefafia Kirimaoma | Independent | 15 | 0.98 | |
| East ꞌAreꞌare | Peter Kenilorea | Solomon Islands United Party | 816 | 82.67 | Re-elected |
| East ꞌAreꞌare | F. G. Anohere | People's Alliance Party | 171 | 17.33 | |
| East Guadalcanal | Ezekiel Alebua | Independent | 297 | 22.59 | Elected |
| East Guadalcanal | David Valusa | National Democratic Party | 268 | 20.38 | Unseated |
| East Guadalcanal | Sam Iko | People's Alliance Party | 207 | 15.74 | |
| East Guadalcanal | Calisto Houma | Independent | 199 | 15.13 | |
| East Guadalcanal | T. Labuvilia | Independent | 199 | 15.13 | |
| East Guadalcanal | E. I. Oha | Independent | 66 | 5.02 | |
| East Guadalcanal | W. Teteha | Independent | 60 | 4.56 | |
| East Guadalcanal | Joel Kikolo | Independent | 19 | 1.44 | |
| East Honiara | Batholomew Ulufa'alu | National Democratic Party | 493 | 33.04 | Re-elected |
| East Honiara | John Maetia Kaliuae | Solomon Islands United Party | 403 | 27.01 | |
| East Honiara | S. Saunana | Independent | 323 | 21.65 | |
| East Honiara | Stephen Anilafa Sipolo | People's Alliance Party | 110 | 7.37 | |
| East Honiara | F. Tafea | Independent | 93 | 6.23 | |
| East Honiara | R. Lence | Independent | 70 | 4.69 | |
| East Isabel | Michael Evo | Independent | 586 | 32.16 | Elected |
| East Isabel | Culwick Maneguasa Vahia | People's Alliance Party | 294 | 16.14 | |
| East Isabel | Z. Takonene | Independent | 209 | 11.47 | |
| East Isabel | Francis Reginald Kikolo | Solomon Islands United Party | 184 | 10.10 | Unseated |
| East Isabel | N. Legua | Independent | 172 | 9.44 | |
| East Isabel | M. Manesonia | Independent | 158 | 8.67 | |
| East Isabel | J. Aujare | Independent | 120 | 6.59 | |
| East Isabel | T. Quity | Independent | 99 | 5.43 | |
| East Kwaio | Daniel Foasifobae | Solomon Islands United Party | 646 | 51.68 | Elected |
| East Kwaio | Jonathan Fifii | National Democratic Party | 604 | 48.32 | Unseated |
| East Makira | Benedict Kinika | Independent | 1,001 | 39.46 | Re-elected |
| East Makira | David Sitai | Independent | 989 | 38.98 | |
| East Makira | F. Campbell | People's Alliance Party | 440 | 17.34 | |
| East Makira | A. Wabwo | Independent | 107 | 4.22 | |
| East Malaita | Alfred Maetia | Solomon Islands United Party | 578 | 29.99 | Elected |
| East Malaita | Faneta Sira | National Democratic Party | 331 | 17.18 | Unseated |
| East Malaita | Billy Fa'arobo | Independent | 282 | 14.63 | |
| East Malaita | Andrew Buga | Independent | 127 | 6.59 | |
| East Malaita | J. Waita | Independent | 124 | 6.43 | |
| East Malaita | Blake Afuga | People's Alliance Party | 123 | 6.38 | |
| East Malaita | E. Lade | Independent | 110 | 5.71 | |
| East Malaita | S. Dolaiasi | Independent | 104 | 5.40 | |
| East Malaita | M. Sanga | Independent | 88 | 4.57 | |
| East Malaita | L. Lomo | Independent | 48 | 2.49 | |
| East Malaita | R. Tisah | Independent | 12 | 0.62 | |
| Gizo/Kolombangara | Lawry Eddie Wickham | Independent | 401 | 32.55 | Re-elected |
| Gizo/Kolombangara | Joini Tutua | People's Alliance Party | 275 | 22.32 | |
| Gizo/Kolombangara | K. Russell | Independent | 193 | 15.67 | |
| Gizo/Kolombangara | D. Hivah | Independent | 182 | 14.77 | |
| Gizo/Kolombangara | J. Qaqara | National Democratic Party | 181 | 14.69 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | George Suri Kwanae | Independent | 323 | 12.14 | Elected |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | Nathan Wate | National Democratic Party | 320 | 12.03 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | M. Akwai | Independent | 300 | 11.27 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | Diau Mauga | Independent | 289 | 10.86 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | J. Belo | Independent | 252 | 9.47 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | Mariano Kelesi | Independent | 246 | 9.24 | Unseated |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | F. Osifelo | Solomon Islands United Party | 235 | 8.83 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | J. Rilaua | Independent | 194 | 7.29 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | S. Iniomea | Independent | 147 | 5.52 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | P. Kirio | Independent | 145 | 5.45 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | P. Kosemu | Independent | 140 | 5.26 | |
| Lau/Mbaelelea | L. Silifa | Independent | 70 | 2.63 | |
| Malaita Outer Islands | Paul Keyaumi | People's Alliance Party | 178 | 38.03 | Elected |
| Malaita Outer Islands | Abraham Kapei | Solomon Islands United Party | 163 | 34.83 | |
| Malaita Outer Islands | Johnson Kengalu | Solomon Islands United Party | 68 | 14.53 | Unseated |
| Malaita Outer Islands | P. Piva | Independent | 52 | 11.11 | |
| Malaita Outer Islands | F. Mulvey | Independent | 7 | 1.50 | |
| Marovo | Pulepada Ghemu | Solomon Islands United Party | 351 | 27.49 | Re-elected |
| Marovo | E. W. Anderson | People's Alliance Party | 238 | 18.64 | |
| Marovo | A. Lokopio | Independent | 206 | 16.13 | |
| Marovo | R. Ophiuvendi | Independent | 202 | 15.82 | |
| Marovo | P. Haro | Independent | 190 | 14.88 | |
| Marovo | J. Kinio | National Democratic Party | 90 | 7.05 | |
| Nggela | Richard Harper | People's Alliance Party | 547 | 20.43 | Elected |
| Nggela | Gordon Mara | Independent | 515 | 19.23 | |
| Nggela | James Loti | Independent | 511 | 19.08 | |
| Nggela | D. P. Maeke | Solomon Islands United Party | 323 | 12.06 | |
| Nggela | Robert Pule | Independent | 310 | 11.58 | |
| Nggela | Johnson Soro | Independent | 202 | 7.54 | |
| Nggela | F. Sawanu | Independent | 152 | 5.68 | |
| Nggela | Ben Tumulima | Independent | 118 | 4.41 | Unseated |
| North Choiseul | Allan Qurusu | Solomon Islands United Party | 447 | 35.93 | Elected |
| North Choiseul | P. Amedio | Independent | 309 | 24.84 | |
| North Choiseul | E. K. Tangolo | Independent | 189 | 15.19 | |
| North Choiseul | Jimmy Pitanapi | People's Alliance Party | 130 | 10.45 | |
| North Choiseul | N. N. Derekolo | Independent | 90 | 7.23 | |
| North Choiseul | J. Vorekale | Independent | 79 | 6.35 | |
| North East Guadalcanal | Waeta Ben | Independent | 842 | 68.57 | Re-elected |
| North East Guadalcanal | David Kauli | People's Alliance Party | 157 | 12.79 | |
| North East Guadalcanal | C. D. Kokoluvia | Independent | 83 | 6.76 | |
| North East Guadalcanal | Reuben Bula | Independent | 78 | 6.35 | |
| North East Guadalcanal | G. Mccall | Independent | 68 | 5.54 | |
| North Guadalcanal | Philip Kapini | Independent | 764 | 44.89 | Re-elected |
| North Guadalcanal | Alfred Maeke | National Democratic Party | 276 | 16.22 | |
| North Guadalcanal | F. Laumae | Independent | 230 | 13.51 | |
| North Guadalcanal | Alfred Thugea | Solomon Islands United Party | 167 | 9.81 | |
| North Guadalcanal | Stephen Paeni | Independent | 151 | 8.87 | |
| North Guadalcanal | R. Patua | Independent | 114 | 6.70 | |
| North West Malaita | Bartholomew Leni Olea | People's Alliance Party | 431 | 29.85 | Elected |
| North West Malaita | Joseph Taega | National Democratic Party | 268 | 18.56 | Unseated |
| North West Malaita | S. Danitofea | Independent | 201 | 13.92 | |
| North West Malaita | Swanson Cornelius Konofilia | Solomon Islands United Party | 165 | 11.43 | |
| North West Malaita | Mahion Dofai | Independent | 92 | 6.37 | |
| North West Malaita | A. Maeobia | Independent | 87 | 6.02 | |
| North West Malaita | Dominic Surioa | Independent | 78 | 5.40 | |
| North West Malaita | J. L. Rodobui | Independent | 48 | 3.32 | |
| North West Malaita | Festus Kenileana | Independent | 38 | 2.63 | |
| North West Malaita | Bartholomew Riolo Okesi | Independent | 36 | 2.49 | |
| Ranongga/Simbo | Francis Billy Hilly | Independent | 394 | 33.56 | Re-elected |
| Ranongga/Simbo | B. E. Nagu | Solomon Islands United Party | 176 | 14.99 | |
| Ranongga/Simbo | J. Poihiti | People's Alliance Party | 156 | 13.29 | |
| Ranongga/Simbo | Bruce Ragoso | Independent | 150 | 12.78 | |
| Ranongga/Simbo | G. Labo | Independent | 127 | 10.82 | |
| Ranongga/Simbo | Patterson Runikera | National Democratic Party | 93 | 7.92 | |
| Ranongga/Simbo | J. Kiko | Independent | 78 | 6.64 | |
| Rennell/Bellona | Paul John | People's Alliance Party | 281 | 36.49 | Elected |
| Rennell/Bellona | John Tepaika | Solomon Islands United Party | 261 | 33.90 | Unseated |
| Rennell/Bellona | J. T. Puia | National Democratic Party | 228 | 29.61 | |
| Roviana and North New Georgia | Geoffrey Opokana Beti | Independent | 701 | 46.73 | Re-elected |
| Roviana and North New Georgia | Frank Jamakana | Independent | 393 | 26.20 | |
| Roviana and North New Georgia | W. Uluilakeba | Independent | 240 | 16.00 | |
| Roviana and North New Georgia | Luxton Jovere | People's Alliance Party | 90 | 6.00 | |
| Roviana and North New Georgia | Alphonse Daga | Independent | 76 | 5.07 | |
| Russells/Savo | John Ngina | People's Alliance Party | 395 | 28.56 | Elected |
| Russells/Savo | Peter Manetiva | Independent | 335 | 24.22 | Unseated |
| Russells/Savo | Mark Vaka | Independent | 257 | 18.58 | |
| Russells/Savo | A. Tonezepo | National Democratic Party | 171 | 12.36 | |
| Russells/Savo | A. Adifaka | Solomon Islands United Party | 108 | 7.81 | |
| Russells/Savo | S. Timi | Independent | 70 | 5.06 | |
| Russells/Savo | G. Tatea | Independent | 47 | 3.40 | |
| Shortland | Peter J. Salaka | Independent | 348 | 54.21 | Elected |
| Shortland | Roy Kelosi | Independent | 110 | 17.13 | |
| Shortland | Remesio Eresi | Independent | 103 | 16.04 | Unseated |
| Shortland | R. Kimisi | Independent | 50 | 7.79 | |
| Shortland | Edward Kingmele | People's Alliance Party | 31 | 4.83 | |
| Small Malaita | Tony Harihiru | Solomon Islands United Party | 924 | 38.31 | Elected |
| Small Malaita | Alex Bartlett | Independent | 364 | 15.09 | |
| Small Malaita | Anthony Saru | Independent | 286 | 11.86 | |
| Small Malaita | Richard Watekari | Independent | 205 | 8.50 | |
| Small Malaita | David Lilimae | People's Alliance Party | 182 | 7.55 | |
| Small Malaita | Emilio Li'I Ouou | National Democratic Party | 151 | 6.26 | Unseated |
| Small Malaita | S. B. Ohanikeni | Independent | 123 | 5.10 | |
| Small Malaita | B. Rilanga | Independent | 76 | 3.15 | |
| Small Malaita | D. L. Uqemane | Independent | 51 | 2.11 | |
| Small Malaita | A. Po'oia | Independent | 32 | 1.33 | |
| Small Malaita | H. Maelasi | Independent | 18 | 0.75 | |
| South Choiseul | Jason Dorovolomo | Solomon Islands United Party | 621 | 45.43 | Re-elected |
| South Choiseul | Franklin Pitakaka | Independent | 318 | 23.26 | |
| South Choiseul | J. Gaqurae | Independent | 268 | 19.60 | |
| South Choiseul | M. Pitakaka | Independent | 160 | 11.70 | |
| South Guadalcanal | George Wilson Mangale | Independent | 413 | 26.63 | Elected |
| South Guadalcanal | D. Manea | Independent | 390 | 25.15 | |
| South Guadalcanal | A. Manakako | Independent | 267 | 17.21 | |
| South Guadalcanal | Victor Alikivara | National Democratic Party | 243 | 15.67 | |
| South Guadalcanal | S. Sese | People's Alliance Party | 182 | 11.73 | |
| South Guadalcanal | P. Manegavai | Independent | 56 | 3.61 | |
| Temotu Nende | Ataban M Tropa | People's Alliance Party | 499 | 32.49 | Elected |
| Temotu Nende | Robert Mewebu | Solomon Islands United Party | 359 | 23.37 | |
| Temotu Nende | Samuel Tensing Leo | Independent | 292 | 19.01 | |
| Temotu Nende | John Melanoli | Independent | 218 | 14.19 | Unseated |
| Temotu Nende | J. Mekabu | Independent | 168 | 10.94 | |
| Temotu Pele | Moffat Bonunga | Solomon Islands United Party | 567 | 37.25 | Re-elected |
| Temotu Pele | Matthew Leuba | Independent | 268 | 17.61 | |
| Temotu Pele | John Mark Ma'ake | Independent | 252 | 16.56 | |
| Temotu Pele | B. Bonie | Independent | 228 | 14.98 | |
| Temotu Pele | Santas Paikai | People's Alliance Party | 207 | 13.60 | |
| Ulawa/Ugi | Andrew Mamau | Independent | 542 | 62.16 | Elected |
| Ulawa/Ugi | Daniel Ho'ota | Independent | 282 | 32.34 | Unseated |
| Ulawa/Ugi | B. Tapo'oa | Independent | 48 | 5.50 | |
| Vella Lavella | George Talasasa | Solomon Islands United Party | 275 | 17.03 | Elected |
| Vella Lavella | S. Matluri | Independent | 274 | 16.97 | |
| Vella Lavella | C. Dorauvo | Independent | 253 | 15.67 | |
| Vella Lavella | Andrew Kukuti | Independent | 236 | 14.61 | Unseated |
| Vella Lavella | Seth G. Lekelalu | Independent | 222 | 13.75 | |
| Vella Lavella | S. Rausu | Independent | 181 | 11.21 | |
| Vella Lavella | C. Piraka | Independent | 174 | 10.77 | |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | Hugh Soakai | Solomon Islands United Party | 379 | 27.21 | Elected |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | John Talasasa | Independent | 272 | 19.53 | Unseated |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | J. D. Mare | Independent | 247 | 17.73 | |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | George Pina Lilo | Independent | 198 | 14.21 | |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | Patrick Paia | People's Alliance Party | 110 | 7.90 | |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | Darcy Everett Lilo | Independent | 104 | 7.47 | |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | B. Gadepeta | Independent | 45 | 3.23 | |
| Vona Vona/Rendova/Tetepari | J. I. Sakiri | Independent | 38 | 2.73 | |
| West ꞌAreꞌare | Alfred Aihunu | Independent | 450 | 38.07 | Elected |
| West ꞌAreꞌare | David Kausimae | People's Alliance Party | 433 | 36.63 | Unseated |
| West ꞌAreꞌare | J. Korinihona | Solomon Islands United Party | 211 | 17.85 | |
| West ꞌAreꞌare | John Mare Aihunu | Independent | 51 | 4.31 | |
| West ꞌAreꞌare | M. S. Houia | Independent | 37 | 3.13 | |
| West Guadalcanal | Kamilo Teke | People's Alliance Party | 486 | 26.40 | Elected |
| West Guadalcanal | Bartholomew Buchanan | Independent | 478 | 25.96 | |
| West Guadalcanal | Matthew Belamataga | Independent | 406 | 22.05 | Unseated |
| West Guadalcanal | M. Qolu | Independent | 226 | 12.28 | |
| West Guadalcanal | Savino Kokopu | National Democratic Party | 141 | 7.66 | |
| West Guadalcanal | F. Tavalo | Independent | 104 | 5.65 | |
| West Honiara | Ben Gale | Independent | 443 | 26.26 | Elected |
| West Honiara | Gordon Billy Gatu | National Democratic Party | 413 | 24.48 | |
| West Honiara | Francis Joseph Saemala | Solomon Islands United Party | 368 | 21.81 | |
| West Honiara | Peter Vincent Bennett | People's Alliance Party | 286 | 16.95 | |
| West Honiara | G. Atkin | Independent | 122 | 7.23 | |
| West Honiara | Colin Bentley | Independent | 55 | 3.26 | |
| West Isabel | Dennis Carlos Lulei | Independent | 882 | 42.71 | Elected |
| West Isabel | Willie Betu | Independent | 559 | 27.07 | Unseated |
| West Isabel | M. B. Habu | Independent | 294 | 14.24 | |
| West Isabel | E. G. Vunagi | People's Alliance Party | 203 | 9.83 | |
| West Isabel | Robert Perakana | Independent | 99 | 4.79 | |
| West Isabel | S. Soni | National Democratic Party | 28 | 1.36 | |
| West Kwaio | Jonathan Wesley Kuka | Solomon Islands United Party | 305 | 22.26 | Elected |
| West Kwaio | Sam Philip Korasimora | Independent | 213 | 15.55 | |
| West Kwaio | J. Frank | Independent | 206 | 15.04 | |
| West Kwaio | John Ale | Independent | 165 | 12.04 | |
| West Kwaio | T. Damutalau | Independent | 150 | 10.95 | |
| West Kwaio | J. Gafui | Independent | 104 | 7.59 | |
| West Kwaio | Henry Tom | Independent | 104 | 7.59 | Unseated |
| West Kwaio | J. S. Talo | Independent | 83 | 6.06 | |
| West Kwaio | S. Ira | Independent | 40 | 2.92 | |
| West Kwara'ae | Alan Taki | Solomon Islands United Party | 458 | 21.01 | Re-elected |
| West Kwara'ae | Leonard Maenuna | People's Alliance Party | 439 | 20.14 | |
| West Kwara'ae | S. S. Ga'a | Independent | 292 | 13.39 | |
| West Kwara'ae | A. R. Lidimani | Independent | 268 | 12.29 | |
| West Kwara'ae | W. D. Tua | Independent | 256 | 11.74 | |
| West Kwara'ae | J. M. L. Akolo'ae | Independent | 134 | 6.15 | |
| West Kwara'ae | T. Babalu | Independent | 121 | 5.55 | |
| West Kwara'ae | W. Maelaua | Independent | 106 | 4.86 | |
| West Kwara'ae | Alfred Kela | Independent | 62 | 2.84 | |
| West Kwara'ae | B. Bualea | Independent | 44 | 2.02 | |
| West Makira | Solomon S. Mamaloni | People's Alliance Party | 1,560 | 82.89 | Elected |
| West Makira | J. Morea | Independent | 322 | 17.11 | |

## Aftermath

Following the elections Kenilorea was re-elected Prime Minister, defeating People's Alliance Party leader Solomon Mamaloni by 25 votes to 5. He formed a government with the support of a group of independents led by Francis Billy Hilly, who became Deputy Prime Minister.
| Position | Member | Party |
| Prime Minister | Peter Kenilorea | Solomon Islands United Party |
| Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Health | Francis Billy Hilly | Independent |
| Minister of Agriculture and Lands | Waeta Ben | Independent |
| Minister of Education | Geoffrey Beti | Independent |
| Minister of Finance | Benedict Kinika | Solomon Islands United Party |
| Minister of Home Affairs | Philip Kapini | Independent |
| Minister of Law and Information | Lawry Wickham | Independent |
| Minister of Natural Resources | Paul Tovua | Solomon Islands United Party |
| Minister of Trade, Industry and Labour | Pulepada Ghemu | Solomon Islands United Party |
| Minister of Transport and Communications | Moffat Bonunga | Solomon Islands United Party |
| Minister of Works and Public Utilities | Tony Harihiru | Solomon Islands United Party |
| Minister of Youth and Cultural Affairs | Denis Lulei | Independent |