Three MPs likely to switch vote, DCC increases number
THE Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) led by Manasseh Sogavare claims to increase its numbers to 30 ahead of the Prime Minister’s election tomorrow.
As of last week, DCC had claimed 27 members; however there were movement by some members of Solomon Islands People’s Democratic Coalition (SIPDC) to their camp over the weekend, it was disclosed.
A reliable source told the Solomon Star last night, MP for West New Georgia/Vona Vona, Silas Vangara had held talks with DCC on Saturday night and expects to swing vote for them during the election.
The source said two Malaita MPs have also indicated their support to swing vote for Sogavare in the election.
“Our solidarity is rock solid and no one is thinking of moving out of the camp.
“We have nothing to worry about and hope to see a good result on Tuesday,” the source said.
As such, this will leave SIPDC with 20 members, if there is no political twist and changing of allegiance by members of DCC by now until the election in Parliament.
On the other hand, SIPDC believes that they are not out of the race for the top job despite DCC had claimed the numerical strength.
One political commentator said Solomon Islands politics is unpredictable and anything can happen from now until tomorrow.
The SIPDC members are based at Mendana/Iron Bottom Sound camp and their PM’s candidate is Jeremiah Manele.
Most of their members have served under the Lilo led government in the last two years.
Whilst DCC, which based at Honiara Hotel after November 19 polls, have moved to Heritage Park Hotel over the weekend.
Most of their members like Aoke Langalanga MP, Mathew Wale, who was nominated as Deputy Prime Minister to Sogavare, Dr Derek Sikua and others were in the Opposition group in the last government.
Both Manele and Sogavare have received accolades and praises in their nomination on Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) facebook page on social media.
One of them is son of former Prime Minister and statesman, who is based in United States, Peter Kenilorea Jnr.
Kenilorea Jnr said both can do the job, but he it’s now down to the numbers game.
“I see that the majority on this thread would like to see Hon. Sogovare at the helm.
“Given his record in the house and his strong leadership style, such support is fully understandable,” he said.
Kenilorea Jnr said he admire and respect his principled position to stand for what he believes is right.
“Although the Moti affair showed, to me at least, that such stances can unnecessarily be stubborn and misguided.
“I have seen him in action at the United Nations and his leadership capabilities are beyond reproach,” he said.
On the other hand, Kenilorea Jnr said he had witnessed Hon. Manele’s quality at the international big house (UN General Assembly) and at the UN in general in the late 90’s early 2000.
That was when Manele was in charge of Solomon Islands Permanent Mission to the UN and have the utmost respect for him.
“His leadership qualities are undeniable.
“He represented SI well internationally during some of our nation’s darkest hours and sacrificed a lot with his family personally when financial resources to support his work and family were not forthcoming during those dark days,” Kenilorea Jnr said.
“Living with limited funds in New York City with a young family is tough.
“He loves his country. He should already have good relations with our development partners who have been supporting our national budget for the last few years,” he said.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
