The polls have closed and vote counting is underway in Solomon Islands, in what's been described as the country's most important election since independence.

Hundreds of thousands of voters have cast their ballots in Solomon Islands. It's a closely watched election which could have major implications for the Pacific nation's diplomatic ties to China.

Guest: Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong, ABC's reporter in Solomon Islands as part of the ABC's Pacific Local Journalism Network