The Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) is committed to changing the landscape of Solomon Islands politics for the betterment of this country.
This was emphasized by the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare when delivering his remarks during the opening of the Women’s Leadership and Political Participation conference at the FFA conference centre on Tuesday.
In his remarks, he spoke about the Political Parties Integrity Act where it provides a framework for a more stable political system in the country, and had noble intentions and indeed allowed the formation of political parties prior to the general elections in 2014 but it could not carry the expectation of the people.
“It is the demand for the review of that Act that has translated into what is the basis of this conference – the examination of the role that women play in the overall governance of this nation – an endeavour that forms part of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s commitment to changing the landscape of Solomon Islands Politics for the betterment of this country.
“Indeed, it is the DCC Government’s commitment, as captures in our Policy Statement of Fundamental Reforms, to “redefine the norms and values of Solomon Islands Society to become more inclusive and to enhance sustainable unity”.
“Today, this commitment is being realized in this conference and the eventual amendments of the Political Parties Integrity Act and the National Parliament (Electoral Provisions) Act that we expect to see in the coming years,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr Sogavare in his closing remarks said, that the DCC Government have heard the call from various agents and advocators of women in leadership for the government to prioritise reforms that would give chance for women to participate in the local politics.
“We have heard time and again, of the demands for women to assume greater responsibility in serving this nation.
“And we have seen, over and over again, the efforts of agents and proponents of women in leadership, calling upon governments, past and present, to prioritise reforms that would change the status of women in Solomon Islands politics.
“Now, as Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands and leader of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government, it is with sincerity that I, on behalf of my Government, echo my Government’s commitment to that cause.
“We have heard the call,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
