An academic says it is obvious Solomon Islanders are determined to ensure a change in leadership.
Warren Paia, a former University of the South Pacific (USP) lecturer in Fiji who now operates an island tourist resort in the Western province, said it is obvious people want to ensure new leaders are elected into the National Parliament in the 2014 National Elections, later this year.
And it has also become obvious, he says, following the recent passing of the Political Parties Integrity Act by Parliament, voters appear to be more interested in political party candidates, and not those who will contest the elections as independents.
Mr Paia said people have realized the country has not advanced in terms of economic development because the majority of MPs in the 9th Parliament, which was dissolved September 8, were independents.
“It had been difficult to keep them together, which had caused instability both in parliament and governance.”
But Mr Paia believes political parties will be able to keep their MPs together because of the new political parties integrity act, adding a new government formed by political parties, will surely advance the national economy.
And at the same time, he added, corruptive dealings will be minimized if not weeded out altogether.
Meanwhile, a self-employed Temotuan, Thomas Teikaa who survives on a meager income he earns from the sale of coconut oil bottles on the streets of Honiara, supports Mr Paia.
But he warns voters must vote corruption free candidates comes the Election Day on November 19.
And he said candidates with bad police records should not be allowed to contest the elections.
Mr Teikaa said as he walks around the city to sell his coconut oil bottles, he notices intending candidates putting on weekend feasts for voters while others buy their biometric registration cards.
He said the sight is sickening, adding such candidates should not be elected into the Parliament because they will turn out to be lousy MPs.
By George Atkin
In Honiara
