As a normal citizen of Solomon Islands, it’s such a shame for me to see that a Candidate for Prime Minister, Mr Steve Abana did not turn up for the MASI forum on Sunday. The people of Solomon Islands rely on the media as an important means of getting information. It’s good to know that he publicly apologized in the star the next day, but there was no specific reason given as to why he was absent. Not even the courtesy of giving his apologies by phone call for his absence. This is not good enough. It worries me to think that this kind of leader may be my Prime Minister for the next 4 years. As for his rival who did attend the MASI forum, his first answer to a Mr Koroi Hawkins on the Anti Corruption Reform sends shivers down my spine. Saying that Anti Corruption Reform is not the answer to corruption. Saying in other words “What’s the point of me getting into parliament if the anti corruption reform is passed?â€. This person was also responsible for the Parliamentary Entitlements being passed earlier on. Could it be that he was paving the way for himself when he gets into parliament? I think what we need is to let the people elect who they see fit to be Prime Minister. I honestly do not know what the procedure for that is, but to the authorities who do, please hear the people and our concern. In 2014, please let the people nominate and vote for the Prime Minister.
I have my doubts about both candidates and do not have a personal preference. What I want though, are leaders with principles; leaders who can stand up and say it as it is and lead us out of the doldrums. There are many capable leaders within each camp but being Prime Minister is a different ball game. So I do not agree that a candidate of R Hou's pedigree is the perfect choice for PM. What the electorate needs to understand is that in many ways, we can influence what happens on the floor of parliament without being too extreme like the ill fated Rini elections. Look at the PEC decision on the ex gratia payment for MP's wives. It never lived to see daylight because people rejected it so responsible leaders listened and changed it. What Solomon Islanders fail to understand is there are avenues through which we can influence the decisions that our MP's make. We just have to stop being passive, we must stand up and say it!
Having said that let us not be too harsh on Abana. Leadership often neither requires a university degree or popularity. Either you are or you're not. We will see in time if Abana has the leadership skills to take this country forward. The people who make the difference are those he surrounds himself with. Look at his choice of cabinet and the power brokers in his cabinet. On the other hand, I must admit the political marriage between the likes of Rini, Sogavare etc does not seem like a match made in heaven and I anticipate bigger things will happen if Danny Philip was elected PM. Philip has been sacked from previous governments and I do not see how he can lead his group which I believe consists of people with too many vested interests. Now on the other side; at least common sense and good governance looks like a real possibility. Just some thoughts.
"Simplicity is an art" | The views and opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the people, institutions or organizations that I may or may not be related with unless stated explicitly.
Remember too that Abana had the influence of independent members of parliament previously when lobbying was intense towards the culmination of the Sikua Govt, even prior to the Sogavare era. He was sustained, by way of a ministerial portfolioship in the Sikua reign. Would he have remained loyal to SIDP, we would've others suitable for PM candidacy, no doubts, however,politics is a game and one must be really able to read between the lines(you know what i mean). Wale, Hou or Tausinga, maybe everyone's preference, i was hoping they should even try Tozaka up there but one needs to understand that he(Wale),Hou, Taussinga + Tozaka likewise are already men of integrity and no-one can sway/lure them in anyway. Abana is ok and should do well but can be vulnerable( hence i say it with ease). I bet you most of them in the democratic party knows and since they have successfully won most seats in parliament for the first time, that party would be given the priviledge to field in their candidate for the coalition and chances of securing more votes. Other parties in the coalition group knows(or should) that it's SIDP's priority, hence their pledge to support Abana. I do believe it's nothing to do with regionalism(which is good. Only time will tell, when we will be able to determine as to who has crossed the line. That is why we need to bring back the Political Integrity bill mekem olketa man save olsem eel fish ia by no garem chance fo ranawe olobauti olsem snake or kokorako wea heti blo hem kate finis!!!
Ke hem night na...and wake up next mone bata time for electim new PM na. Who has what it takes to win tomorrow. Barata me luk lo oketa lo Honiara Hotel ana Pacific Casino and me give up na! Mark Kemakeza? Come on Solomon you can do better than that...but it seems like numbers nomoa important. The question we should all be asking is who has the best team. Dasta why me agree waitim Sogavare that this is more a grouping of convenience than anything else...and hem too but no show up! Having doubts now after throwing your support behind HH/PCH group? At least Peter Shanel can lie through his teeth without blinking! Unless hem sabbath blo Sogavare, no any other reason nao me lukim for boss ya absent...hem must doim own negotiation blo hem yet ya. Shanel for Minister of Trade, hem probably Finance or Deputy PM, umi no save!!! bata everything very volatile and sapos Danny Phillip hem win...oh me sore lo Solomon nao. Tomorrow mone time umi wake up, some fala by des finish nego and ready for parliament.
Yes, i need to sleep early now too. I will be crossing all my fingers, hands, legs and toes and just hope to almighty that our beloved country will awake to the dawn of a new day and hope to all our weary and suppressed souls. Indeed lets hope no more 'midnight specials'. God bless you all and all the best to our beloved Solomon Islands.
Can someone post live updates on the latest?
http://www.lifhaus.com.sb/content/solomon-islands-awaits-election-its-pm
Danny Phillip moa!!
I damn knew there would be some 'judas' in the Heritage park that's why i said, this all depends on the votes. So Danny Phillip is the new PM now. Yumi die moa!.
My oh my.....Shocking news this morning that the newly elected member for Shortlands Steve Laore has passed away. So sad that his job actually hasn't started yet and yet he has passed away. A loss to the Pacific Casino Group and his family and friends. Its just so strange that he was actually voting for PM yesterday and later on, passed away. I bet he's not going to be the last, it happens every year, I wonder who it will be next?
Post new comment