VICTORY FOR LILO
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
MP for Gizo/Kolombangara Jimson Tanangada yesterday lost his seat after the High Court ruled he treated and bribed people to vote for him during the 2014 national elections.
The decision follows an election petition former prime minister and losing candidate Gordon Darcy Lilo lodged against Mr Tanangada’s election victory.
Mr Lilo last night welcomed the High Court ruling.
“This is a win for the people of Gizo/Kolombangara,” Mr Lilo told the Solomon Star in an exclusive interview.
“The people have proven themselves by prosecuting this case in a honest way,” he added.
“The witnesses came out freely to support the solicitor who represented them in this case.
“They have proven one thing, and that is my loss is a clean loss.
“Somebody else played dirty.”
The decision comes almost three years after Mr Lilo lodged the election petition, and the only one that has been successful so far.
It’s not clear whether a by-election will be held for Gizo/Kolombangara now that the seat has been vacant.
The next general election is scheduled for early 2019.
Mr Tanangada, who is also the Minister for Home Affairs, last night told the Solomon Star he respects the High Court decision (see separate story).
In his ruling, Justice Rex Foukona found Mr Tanangada and his supporters treated, bribed, and used undue influence to get voters to vote for him.
