DCC in numerical command
THE composition of this group had been rigid in the past days and the enthusiasm to form a new government seems undying.
Recently emerged under the banner ‘Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC)’ the Honiara Hotel group had maintained its 27 membership up until yesterday.
The line-up registered under the camp preparing to endorse Manasseh Sogavare in the election today includes;
William Maru (Ulawa-Ugi), Freda Fautauvia Comua (Temotu Vatud), Manasseh Sogavare (East Choiseul), John Moffat Fugui (Central Honiara), Danny Philip (South New Georgia, Rendova/Tetepare), Mathew Wale (Aoke/Langalanga), Tautai Kaitu’u (Renbell), Augustine Auga (Lau/Mbaelelea), Duddley Kopu (Temotu Pele), Ishmael Avui (East Central Guadalcanal), David Dei Pacha (South Guadalcanal), Samson Maneka (North Guadalcanal), Bodo Dettke (North West Guadalcanal), John Dean Kuku (North New Georgia) Dr Derek Sikua (North East Guadalcanal) Snyder Rini (Marovo), Peter Shanel (Central Guadalcanal), John Maneniaru (West Are’Are), Milner Tozaka (North Vella La Vella), Andrew Manepora’a (East Are’Are), Commins Mewa (Temotu Nende), Samuel Manetoali (Gao/Bugotu), Stanley Sofu (East Kwaio), Bartholomew Parapolo (Ngella), Jimson Tanangada (Gizo/Kolombangara), Douglas Ete (East Honiara), Jackson Fiulaua (Central Kwara’ae).
There were no movements from this camp to the opposing camp as of yesterday, although the only movement witnessed by the media was the whisking away of some members of this group from Honiara to Maravagi, Ngella for fear they could be pinched at the eleventh hour.
This current numerical standing makes it partly safe to say Manasseh Sogavare is the new Prime Minister.
Although the secret ballot box election process which holds the final decision could be the game changer, there is slim chance of that happening given the solidarity of the DCC camp.
There were unconfirmed reports of additions to the DCC camp as of yesterday, but the camp seemed uninterested because of fears new additions could be sent by the opposition camp to fish and not volunteered.
The current numerical figure in the DCC camp left the Mendana group trading under a coalition named Solomon Islands People’s Democratic Coalition (SIPDC) with 23 members.
Meanwhile, the numerical figures will remain unofficial despite proves until the ballot papers are counted today.
Fifty-nine year old experienced and two-time Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and newcomer Jeremiah Manele are vying for the country’s top post.
The election for the country’s 12th Prime Minister today is expected to be a one round battle given there are only two candidates.
The election shall be by secret ballot with each of the 50 members casting a single ballot behind closed doors.
The last term’s election of the Prime Minister was held on August 25, 2010. The race was between Danny Phillip and Steve Abana.
Danny Philip won by a slim majority of 3 when he defeated Steve Abana’s 23 votes with 26.
One ballot paper was spoilt.
Mr Phillip later resigned on the floor of Parliament only after more than a year in pole position, when a motion of no confidence was about to be moved, paving way for the successful election of Gordon Darcy Lilo, who lost his Gizo/Kolobangara seat to a teacher in last month’s election.
Police are beefing up security around the city during today’s election proceeding.
By EDNAL PALMER
