Political legitimacy rests on direct election by secret ballot. There have been four general elections since independence, the most recent in June. The courts are independent and vigorously protect individual rights. A police force of about 500 men is under civilian control. There are no armed forces.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the village economy.
About 85 percent of the population engages to some extent in subsistence farming, obtaining food by gardening and fishing, and has little involvement in the cash economy. Improved Solomon Islands export performance, particularly in the forestry sector, continued in 1993. However, the resulting improvements in Solomon Islands' fiscal and balance of payments positions are likely to be temporary. Most basic individual rights are provided for in the Constitution, respected by the authorities, and defended by the courts, but discrimination and violence against women and restrictions on the press remain serious problems. There is a constitutionally provided Ombudsman to look into and provide protection against improper or unlawful administrative treatment.