Page 6 - IB MAR 2019

We Say

Oil leaks from the MV Solomon Trader near the World Heritage declared island of Rennell. Photo: Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands-DFAT

Money, marine disaster dominate campaign

Solomon Islands goes to the polls

SOLOMON Islands voters are on the verge of choosing their in January 2019.
next government as the country goes to the polls amidst major Some candidates are promising more jobs by tapping into the
economic and environmental challenges. labour trade with Australia and New Zealand. A much talked
The 3 April election is a test of the country’s electoral system about newcomer to the political scene is
after the departure of the Regional Mission to Solomon Islands Peter Kenilorea Jr, son of the country’s
(RAMSI). International support for the process remains, with Old guard, first Prime Minister Sir Peter Kenilorea.
the Australian Government committing around 100 police and new contenders Kenilorea Jr, who is running under the
military officers during the election period. The New Zealand banner of the United Party, spent close to
Government has also pledged its support. The two countries took 10 years working at the United Nations
the leading roles in the Pacific Islands Forum-backed RAMSI. headquarters in New York, and returned to take the post of Per-
At close of nominations, 335 candidates were confirmed, 310 manent Secretary to Foreign Affairs for a year. However, the call
of them men and 25 women. 15 registered political parties and of his father’s legacy has been strong.
many independent candidates are contesting the election. Women Posting online after being welcomed by thousands on his
make up around 7.5 per cent of candidates, arrival at Manawai village in the East Are Are constituency,
however they face a formidable task. There Kenilorea Jr said: “A truly moving and emotional homecoming.
Hip pocket
issues was just one woman sitting in parliament They are looking for change. My message to them, I am ready.
when the election was called, the inde- Together, we can.”
pendent member for Gizo/Kolombangara, Other candidates believe the demand for change is rippling
Lanelle Tanangada. through the islands, from village to village and in the urban areas.
The hot topic during the campaign for most Solomon Islanders “Our people are suffering now, we still have a shortage of medi-
is easing of the expense of daily living. Many are also angry about cine, proper health facilities and much needed infrastructure,”
the tax-free salaries that parliamentarians receive. Last December says Wendy Vahoe Amangongo, who is contesting the election as
the government announced it was doubling the minimum wage an independent candidate for Malaita Outer Islands constituency.
to SBD8 (US$1) in a move it hopes will play well with voters. The incumbent government and caretaker Prime Minister Rick
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands put inflation at 3.7 per cent Hou of the Democratic Alliance Party have also come under fire

6 Islands Business, March 2019