Solomon Islands pressure group, the Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) has formed a political party which will be known as the people’s progressive party (PPP).
Technical Adviser to MMF, Martin Housanau said the PPP is the political wing of the MMF while the forum will remain a pressure group.
He said the people’s progressive party will field candidates to contest the 2014 national parliamentary elections later this year, but it is still too early to say how many candidates will be fielded.
Mr Housanau said the PPP will first try to get the support of candidates who will contest the 14 Malaita constituencies.
Meanwhile, he said the MMF maintains its call for the Australian newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Frank Prendergast to clear his name against allegations of involvement in the 2011 riots at Christmas Island’s detention centre.
Mr Housanau said Solomon Islands deserves a Commissioner of Police who has an un-cleared criminal offence hanging over his shoulder, adding all MMF wants is for Mr Prendergast to clear his name.
He said the MMF will advise Government House not to swear in the new Commissioner of Police while the allegations of criminal offences are still not cleared by the Australian Justice System.
Mr Housanau warns if Government House goes ahead with the swearing in ceremony, the MMF will organize a peaceful protest against the government.
The government of Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo announced the appointment of Mr Prendergast last week.
Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister and Opposition MP, Manasseh Sogavare and the People’s Alliance Party have accepted the appointment of Mr Prendergast.
By George Atkin
In Honiara
