Two groups emerge so far
By ANDREW FANASIA
TWO political factions emerged yesterday as newly elected MPs move in to form the next government.
A Grand Coalition likely to be led by Mathew Wale’s Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) is taking shape, insiders told the Solomon Star.
This coalition is made up of SIDP, United Democratic Party (UDP), People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP), Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) and Solomon Islands United Party (UP).
“They are close of securing the 26 required to form the next government,” one insider said.
“In fact they are just finalising documents and preferring to keep things low at this stage,” the insider added.
Wale’s SIDP won eight seats in the April 3 polls.
This was confirmed by the Registrar of the Political Parties Nairy Alamu yesterday.
Alamu however, said SIDP is yet to submit some documents to her office to finalise the registration of two of the new members.
Meanwhile, Kadere Party which won eight seats is heading the second faction.
Kadere earlier claimed it has a number of affiliated candidates who contested the election as independents.
This claim of “affiliated members” however has no basis in law.
In another development, the Political Parties Commission yesterday approved and registered former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s Our Party.
Sogavare submitted his party’s application for registration late last year but due to time factor the commission was not able to sit down and consider it.
Alamu yesterday confirmed that Our Party’s application has now been approved.
Sogavare contested the April 3 elections as an independent and it’s highly likely he’ll lead some of the 21 independent MPs who won seats.
Last night, sources told the Solomon Star Sogavare’s Our Party meet with Kadere at an undisclosed location in town.
“Sogavare is likely to be the PM’s candidate for Our Party-Kadere coalition,” sources said.
The Solomon Star was unable to talk to Kadere officials.
Newly elected MPs are expected to take their oaths in office next week.
Nominations for the PM’s position will be opened after the oath-taking exercise.
While some of the newly elected MPs are already in Honiara, others are still in their respective constituencies to celebrate their win and thank their voters.
