Auki camps tighten lid on Premier candidate as political wrangling continues head of Friday’s election
MALAITA Province is in search of a new Premier.
It follows the ousting of Daniel Suidani who was thrown out as Premier in a no confidence motion in Auki on Tuesday.
Despite the on-going political wrangling, Auki township remains calm and peaceful. Perhaps this is due to police presence in Auki.
Tuesday’s motion was the third against Suidani as leader of the MARA government. But unlike past motions, the MARA government team never showed up for the two-hour debate at the Provincial Assembly Chamber in Auki on Tuesday morning.
Suidani was subsequently removed in absentia.
The two camps, the MARA government and the Non-Executive, which now claims to have secured the absolute majority with 17 members in the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) have tightened the lid on their candidate for the position.
The 33-member Assembly will decide tomorrow (Friday) who the new premier would be to serve out the remaining eight or so months of the provincial government tenure.
It is understood both sides had been meeting in their separate camps all day yesterday to finalise their choice for the position.
The MARA group met over lunch and dinner at the Auki Lodge hotel on Tuesday.
To continue their delaying tactics, Suidani and his political advisor, Celsius Talifilu, are reportedly taking the Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly to court. Their initial attempt to stay the no confidence motion was thrown out by the High Court on Tuesday.
Following the passage of the no confidence motion, Deputy premier, Glen Waneta, was by statute appointed caretaker premier. Hon Waneta is now understood to be the front runner candidate for the MARA camp.
Ex-finance minister in the MARA administration and East Kwaio Ward 18 MPA, Nelson Lenty is said to be also in the running.
These reports however could not be independently verified.
There was no word on whether Suidani who was ousted in a no confidence vote on Tuesday had put up his hand to take part in the race.
The Opposition side, which hold the absolute majority in terms of numbers, is reportedly split on their choice for the premiership. Their discussions are on-going.
West Are’Are MPA, Joe Herea’u and Baegu MPA, Elijah Ailaua are both in the running.
MPA Herea’u served as finance minister in the Peter Ramohia administration. He was fisheries minister in the Suidani MARA government. Both men are able individuals and the camp could put their choice to the vote, possibly today before the nominations officially close at 4:30.
Election of a new premier will take place on Friday morning.
Given the on-going stoush, it was suggested that the Malaita Provincial Assembly be suspended, allowing the province to be administered by unelected officials until the next provincial government election.
By Alfred Sasako
