THE Honiara Hotel camp signed their coalition agreement yesterday ahead of next Tuesday’s election of a new prime minister.
The camp consisted of only two parties – the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Kadere Party.
This comes after People Alliance Party (PAP) members resigned, leaving only party wing leader Milner Tozaka at the helm of the party.
The Honiara Hotel camp said they are confident of forming the next government with the 27 members they have.
They claimed the number is likely to increase to more than 30 before Tuesday’s election.
Presidents of the two parties – Sir Thomas Chan for UDP and Alfred Legua for Kadere – put the ink on paper in front of their members and lawyer Gabriel Suri.
The signing confirmed the formation of the second coalition that will be called the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC).
During the signing, president of UDP Sir Thomas said he signed the agreement for the nation.
Sir Thomas said what matters most for this country is a leadership and government that strives to serve the interest of its country and people.
“We can make mistakes but we must learn from these mistakes. What is important to do now is to make tangible developments and positive changes for the children of this country,” Sir Thomas said.
He told members of the coalition that they are not elected for themselves, but for the entire country and its people.
“We must think big and be serious about the role we play to achieve the goals of the coalition for the people and country.
“We must perform better and make sure these next four years we achieve good things for this nation to improve the livelihood of people of this country and the economy,” Sir Thomas added.
He further stressed that leaders must have one mind and unite all people in love in order to make the changes this country needs.
“Otherwise we can’t do anything and won’t make any good thing to happen in this country.”
President of Kadere Party Mr Legua expressed similar sentiments saying the party has strong belief to lead the country for the next four years.
He urged all members to perform for the good of this country and its people.
Meanwhile, the group’s candidate for prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, thanked the parties for the coalition agreement, for their solidarity and unity, and the trust they vested on him to be their leader.
Registrar of the Political Parties Integrity Commission Calvin Ziru has confirmed the coalition agreement and will meet with lawyers of the group and process it as required under law.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
