PPC asserts there is no legal issue prohibiting political parties from raising overseas funds
THE Solomon Islands Political Parties Commission sees no legal issue with registered political parties seeking funding from overseas sources.
This statement follows an investigation by the online media platform In-depth Solomons, which revealed that the President of the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party (OUR Party), Jimson Tanangada and Brandt, son of the Minister of Finance and Treasury Manasseh Sogavare have established an offshore shell company in Singapore ahead of this year’s National General Elections on April 17.
The Political Parties Commission Acting Registrar Gilson Galo said under the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA), there is no prohibition against political parties engaging in fundraising activities.
“The financial obligations stipulated under Sections 59 to 62 of the Act require parties to disclose their financial statements, detailing how they raise funds,” Galo explained.
“Otherwise, the law does not prevent political parties from engaging with businesses,” he added.
According to In-depth Solomons, the company in question, OUR International Development Fund Pte Limited, was incorporated in Singapore in February 2024 with a capital of 100,000 Singapore dollars (approximately SBD 627,000).
The records from Singapore’s company registry show that Tanangada, who is also the Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, and Brandt Sogavare each hold a 40 percent stake in the company.
The remaining 20 percent is held by Pan Jinglin, a 30-year-old Chinese citizen.
Minister Tanangada has denied any affiliation between the company and OUR Party.
He also declined to provide details about the company’s purpose or information regarding its partner Jinglin.
Former OUR Party Parliamentary Wing Leader, Manasseh Sogavare, stated that he was not involved in any discussions or decisions related to the formation of OUR International Development Fund Pte Limited.
However, he recalled Minister Tanangada having mentioned plans to establish the company in Singapore to support projects initiated by OUR Party in Solomon Islands.
“I disagreed with the idea because setting up a company in an international financial centre like Singapore could raise significant red flags,” Minister Sogavare remarked.
Despite these concerns, Acting Registrar Galo reiterated that under the PPIA, there is no legal impediment to political parties raising funds through business ventures.
The revelations have sparked debate about the ethical implications of offshore fundraising and its potential impact on transparency and accountability in Solomon Islands politics.
By Eddie Osifelo
Solomon Star, Honiara
