MALAITA Premier Daniel Suidani has described the announcement of the by-election date for Malaita Province as welcoming news.
Speaking to Solomon Star Auki, Premier Suidani said the people of the West Kwaio electorate have been without a representative in the national parliament for the past nine months and it is proper that a by-election must take place.
He said by the time the by-election takes place in September this year, the West Kwaio electorate will be without a representative in parliament for at least 11 months.
“Well, I think the announcement of the by-election date is welcoming news for the people of West Kwaio and Malaita Province as a whole.”
“The people of West Kwaio deserve to have a representative in parliament just as other electorates in Malaita.”
“Hope to see the people of West Kwaio elect a new representative who will truly represent the people.”
The Premier thanked the Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) for successfully conducting a three-day workshop in Auki in preparation for the upcoming by-elections in Malaita in September.
The West Kwaio parliamentary seat was left vacant following the passing of the late MP Titus Fika following an illness back in November 2021.
Similarly, the Ward 18 Provincial Assembly seat was left vacant following the passing of late MPA Alick Butala following an illness in June of 2022.
Malaita by-elections are expected to take place on Wednesday 21 September 2022.
By WILSON SAENI
Solomon Star, Auki
