MANY are still to come to terms with Thursday night’s election result upset which saw former caretaker Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo unseated by newcomer, Jimson Fiau Tanangada to become the new Member of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency.
Mr Tanangada won with more than 2000 votes, having a total margin of more than 200 ballots over his nearest rivals, Mr Lilo and Kenneth Bulehite.
Along with Mr Tanangada, a handful of newly elected MPs have emerged from other constituencies, unseating the outgoing ones.
This result has brought about mixed emotions from the general public both in Honiara and Western Province, with many sighting this as evidence that change will now be seen in the 10th Parliament.
“With Lilo now unseated, who will be the next big fish to be unseated?” a Gizo resident Bana asked.
“I just simply can’t believe the outcome of this result, as many including Lilo himself were confident of a landslide victory.
“It is indeed evident that people are desperate for change in the country. Enough is enough, it is time we vote in new leaders who can help change and transform our nation to greater lengths,” Bana added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by prominent leaders and individuals in Honiara as well.
“The Lilo regime was indeed something of a joke, as they spent tirelessly not with the best interests of the nation in mind but rather their own and that of their cronies.
“Seeing Lilo now out of the game is indeed refreshing.
“These election results keep getting better and better, seeing many more new faces in Parliament,” Jacob in Honiara said.
Mr Lilo could not be reached for comments as he was on Kolombangara.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
