26 Jul 2010

Solomons election sparks a rice shortage

3:23 pm on 26 July 2010

The looming general election in Solomon Islands is leading to a shortage of rice in Honiara and some provincial capitals.

The Solomon Star reports tonnes of rice has been shipped out to the provinces, mostly by candidates.

The paper says its receiving reports of bags of rice being shipped in their thousands to villages around the country to lure voters.

It comes as thousands of registered voters are heading for their rural constituencies to cast their votes in the election on August the 4th.

Providing voters with food during their brief stay in the village is an added responsibility for candidates.

Some of the shops with limited stocks have also taken advantage of the shortage to raise prices.

Most shops reportedly ran out of rice over the weekend but new stocks are expected this week.