[ANU Pacific.Institute] Pacific events: Solomon Islands election and PNG service delivery

[Matthew Dornan]

Dear colleagues,

Two events being held in the week of 8 December may be of interest. Please see details below:

The more things change? What was different about the 2014 elections in Solomon Islands and what it means for development
Event Details
*         Start: 8 December 2014 12:30 pm
*         Venue: Brindabella Theatre
http://devpolicy.org/events/event/the-more-things-change-what-was-different-about-the-2014-elections-in-solomon-islands-and-what-it-means-for-development/


The 2014 elections in Solomon Islands brought an intriguing mix of change and continuity. For the first time ever a sitting prime minister lost his seat. Yet the average incumbent survival rate was much higher than usual. The elections were preceded by the passage of legislation designed to promote political parties, and the number of candidates associated with parties increased considerably. Yet the proportion of winning candidates who were independents was actually unusually high. Meanwhile, on the campaign trail it was easy to find the rhetoric of good governance and change, but election results themselves suggest that, typically, constituency level electoral contests were won or lost through the usual mechanisms. On the other hand, new civil society groups and social media - possibly - could be seen to be playing a larger role in elections in 2014 than in previous years.

In this seminar Terence Wood will talk on the recent elections in Solomon Islands and the results that have emerged from them. He will also discuss what, if anything, has changed about Solomon Islands' underlying political economy, and what this means for the country's development prospects.

This public seminar is presented by the Development Policy Centre at Crawford School of Public Policy and the State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Program, The Australian National University.

'A lost decade? Service delivery and reforms in Papua New Guinea 2002-2012' Australian launch
Event Details
*         Start: 11 December 2014 12:30 pm
*         Venue: Barton Theatre
http://devpolicy.org/events/event/a-lost-decade-service-delivery-and-reforms-in-papua-new-guinea-2002-2012-australian-launch/

Has PNG been able to translate its economic boom into services for ordinary people?

Based on research undertaken jointly by the National Research Institute (NRI) and the Development Policy Centre, ANU, the report 'A lost decade? Service delivery and reforms in Papua New Guinea 2012-2012' compares two surveys in 2002 and 2012 of some 360 primary schools and health care clinics across the country, from the national capital to the most remote districts.

It assesses progress on health and education service delivery over time, and analyses the impact of important policy reforms.

The report will be launched in Australia by the PNG High Commissioner, Charles W. Lepani. Speakers include Dr Thomas Webster, Director of NRI and Professor Stephen Howes, Director of the Development Policy Centre.

This public seminar is presented by the Development Policy Centre at Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.


Matthew Dornan
Research Fellow
Development Policy Centre
Crawford School of Public Policy
Australian National University

E: Matthew.Dornan at anu.edu.au<mailto:Matthew.Dornan at anu.edu.au>
Ph: + 61 2 6125 1592


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