MARTIN GAOTE’E FINI is the new Premier of Malaita Province.
The 74-year-old Kwara’e MPA for Ward 3, Buma, just south of Auki was elected unopposed. He was sworn in five minutes after winning the vote.
Eighteen MPAs – all from the Opposition group, formally known as the Non-Executive – were present in the Green House Chamber this morning. The bench for the MARA group was again left empty, resembling the scene of last Tuesday when the motion of no confidence was moved against then Premier Daniel Suidani as leader of the MARA government.
Premier Fini is a former policeman. He was nominated by Hon David Solo Baerara (Ward 14, Fokonakafo/Subobono), seconded by Hon Martin Mae, MPA for Ward 22, Small Malaita when nominations officially closed yesterday.
The Speaker told the MPAs who were present in the Chamber, that Glen Waneta, had withdrawn his candidacy in a written notice, which the Speaker’s Office received at 8 o’clock this morning.
Hon Waneta (MPA for Ward 8, Malu’u) was nominated by the MARA group as its candidate for the Premier’s position.
Speaker Ronnie Butala said he had accepted Hon Waneta’s decision to withdraw his candidacy consistent with Standing Order 48. The Standing Order allows a candidate to withdraw his nomination one hour before the vote is taken, according to Speaker Butala.
Premier Fini is due to announce his government’s ministerial line-up over the weekend.
By Alfred Sasako
