The battle for a new Premier for Malaita Province with the confirmation of two candidates for post, Glen Waneta for MARA and Martin Fini for the Non-Executive
THE Office of the Speaker confirmed it had received nominations from the opposing groups – the MARA government side and the Non-Executive – before nominations closed at 4:30 yesterday afternoon.
Each group has nominated a candidate.
One of these two MPAs – Martin Fini (Ward 3, Buma) for the Non-Executive and Glen Waneta (Ward 8, Malu’u) for the MARA team will be declared Premier by lunchtime today (Friday).
MARA’s candidate is Glen Waneta. He was nominated by Dickson Pola (Ward 21, Small Malaita). The nomination was seconded by Peter Clay Taraumae (Ward 24, Mareho).
The Non-Executive side has put up Martin Fini, a former policeman, as its candidate for the job, the highest political office on Malaita. He was nominated by David Solo Baerara (Ward 14, Fokonakafo/Subobono). Martin Mae (Ward 22, Small Malaita) seconded the nomination.
Mr Waneta’s nomination confirmed the MARA group would be taking part in the election today. The election, scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning, will be conducted under secret ballot.
Today’s election follows the removal of Daniel Suidani, who was removed in absentia in a Motion of No Confidence last Tuesday.
The Non-Executive candidate, Mr Fini, moved the no-confidence motion. The MARA side, however, did not show up for Tuesday’s vote.
Speaking to Solomon Star Auki, Speaker Butala said the election for the Premier will convene around 9:30 am today and the result is expected around 10:30am.
By Wilson Saeni & Alfred Sasako
