GOVERNOR General Sir Frank Kabui proceeded with the election of Prime Minister yesterday, despite a complaint raised by Solomon Islands People’s Democratic Coalition (SIPDC).
In a submission to Political Parties Commission (PPC) on Monday night, SIPDC claimed the nomination of Sogavare was invalid because it was done before DCC signed their coalition agreement.
However, Deputy Private Secretary of Government House, Rawcliff Ziza said the nomination of Sogavare was valid because they were guided with Schedule 2 of the Constitution.
The Schedule 2 of the Constitution gives right to all Members of Parliament to be eligible as candidate for Prime Minister.
Ziza said, if SIPDC is not satisfied with their legal opinions, the next option is to challenge it in court.
He said, this was the reason why the Governor General had allowed the election to continue
The Commission had held the same view of the Government House after they met before the election.
Registrar of PPC, Calwin Ziru said under the Political Parties Integrity Act, it did not mention a dead-line for coalition agreement.
Ziru said the nomination of candidate for Prime Minister comes under a different procedure which the Commission has no power over it.
Sogavare, who was nominated by Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC), won the election after he polled 31 to 19 against SIPDC’s candidate, Jeremiah Manele.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
