Twenty-four women are expected to contest the upcoming elections after two withdrew from the initial 26.
This was the same number of women who contested the 2006 elections.
Of those candidates, three have been said to be contesting for the central Honiara seat, two each for three constituencies whilst the rest spread across constituencies.
According to initial reports, the trio for central Honiara are Titaela Buarafi, former MP for East Guadalcanal Hilda Kari, and the outgoing MP for North Malaita Vika Lusibaea.
Those supposed to contest other constituencies include two for Central Guadalcanal constituency Noelyne Biliki and Matilda Tosa Elta.
This was also the case for Central Makira – Evalyn Kahia and Gwendolyn Masuguria.
Central Kwara’ae in Malaita Province will also see two women candidates, Rose Anilabata, and Ana Oromae.
Others are Janet Hatimoana for Gela Constituency in Central Province, Victoria Oniga for South Guadalcanal in Guadalcanal Province, Stella Kokopu for West Guadalcanal in Guadalcanal Province, Freda Tuki for Temotu Vatud in Temotu Province and Nelly Mabulou Nori for Temotu Pele in Temotu Province
Delores Matangani for North West New Georgia, Joana Bessi Maegasia for South New Georgia/Rendova/Tetepari, Mairy Kotomae for Ranogga/Simbo, Barbra Unusu for Marovo constituency, Western Province, while Ruth W. Votanugu for North West Choiseul in Choiseul Province,
Catherine Adifaka for East Honiara, Julie Haro Gegeu for West Honiara, Hellen Luiramo for Fataleka, Margaret Maelaua for West Kwara’ae, Dr Alice Pollard for West Are’Are, Malaita Province, Rhoda Sikilabu for Gao/Bugotu, Isabel, and Cathy Nori for Maringe/Kokota, Isabel Province
Sunday Star understands the closing date for nominations is October 22.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
