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Government has revealed that 6 nominations for the position of Prime Minister were received by government house at the close of the nomination period on Sunday 13th November, 5pm Solomon Time.  Of the six nominations that were recieved, 3 are from the Opposition with one of those nominations revealed as former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.   Former NCRA Finance Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo was also nominated to contest the top position.

Various news media outlets including Koroi Hawkins of One News Television expressed that most political commentators were surprised that "The number itself is surprising because it was expected the opposition would come up with one candidate, and it's come up with 3".  He went on to add, "In terms of frontrunners, it's probably the former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on the opposition side and Gordon Darcy Lilo on the former government side". 

It would seem at this time that former Prime Minister Danny Philip had delivered a master stroke of his own by resigning instead of facing a motion of no confidence.  "If he had gone ahead with the motion, it would have polarized the grouping but now he has ensured that the situation gives his government the best chance of regrouping and leading the country again."

However, some commentators on Lifhaus have already hinted that at least 1 of these candidates will be able to get support from both sides of the house and win victory in Wednesday's election.  "At this point in time, the evidence does not support that this candidate is former Prime Minister Sogavare."

"It could also be a very smart move by the opposition because it can distract attention and pressure from MP's before consolidating behind one candidate."

UPDATE: Lifhaus sources have revealed that the complete list of nominees for the post of Prime Minister are:

1.  Hon. Douglas Ete, MP East Honiara, Honiara

2.  Hon. Moffat Fugui, MP Central Honiara, Honiara

3.  Hon. Samuel Manetoali, MP Gao-Bugotu, Isabel Province

4.  Hon. Milner Tozaka, MP North Vella la Vella, Western Province

5.  Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo, MP Gizo-Kolombangara, Western Province

6.  Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP East Choiseul, Choiseul Province