RACE FOR PRIME MNISTER

Solomon Islands Parliament House (Pic: Supplied)

Editor's Desk

Intense lobbying for the position of Prime Minister after the general elections has began in the Western Provincial capital Gizo with Gordon Darcy (Gizo/Kolobangara) and Danny Philip (Rendova/Tetepari) reported to be emerging as the main contenders for the post of Prime Minister from the Western Region.

Manasseh Sogavare (North East Choiseul) is reported to be another contender and Milner Tozaka (North Vella La Vella) a likely compromise for Gordon Darcy and Danny Philip.

The other contenders are likely to be either Steve Abana (Fataleka) or Rick Hou (Small Malaita) from the Solomon Islands Democratic Party which has claimed eleven seats so far. Dr. Sikua a strong contender if the former CNURA Government were to regroup and bid for Government.

Reliable sources have informed the Express that at least four logging companies are likely to be key players in the election of the Prime Minister throwing their support behind either Gordon Darcy or Danny Philip.

A source close to the logging industry told the Express that logging companies were not involved heavily in the general elections except for certain individuals but were definitely waiting for the election of the Prime Minister.

The factors reported to be at play would be the sacking of key ministers in the last Government including Gordon Darcy and Snyder Rini and having a Governor General and Prime Minister from one Province.

There was an instance in the history of Solomon Islands when the Governor General (Sir Baddley Devesi) and Ezekial Alebua was Prime Minister.

However the election of Mr. Alebua as Prime Minister came about as a result of the resignation of Sir Peter Kenilorea as Prime Minister when key members of his Cabinet disapproved of an ‘Are ‘Are offer by the French Government to assist Sir Peter’s home village of Rara in East.

This followed devastation of parts of the country by cyclone Namu in 1986.

Meanwhile the emergence of the Independent Democratic Party claiming 18 seats is also another unknown variable which could influence the outcome of who will become Prime Minister.