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Rick Hou, Dr. Derek Sikua, Gordon Darcy Lilo, Danny Philip and Manasseh Sogavare Seeks Re-election from their Electorates
As the campaign period draws to a close and the country is now just a day away from polling day, the battle for the top seats in the 12th parliament intensifies. Prominent figures contesting the elections include five former Prime Ministers; Rick Hou, Dr. Derek Sikua, Gordon Darcy Lilo, Danny Philip and Manasseh Sogavare. Additionally, former Speaker of Parliament, John Patterson Oti, is vying for a seat in the Temotu Nende constituency.
In East Choiseul, Caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is facing a robust challenge from United Party Member and newcomer David Qurusu. Qurusu, who previously served as a Consultant for Nathan Associates implementing the Trade and Investment Component of the USAID Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihood, and Environment (SCALE) Project in the Solomon Islands, also carries the legacy of his late father, MP Alan Qurusu. Sogavare, having completed a full term as Prime Minister in the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) since April 2019, boasts over nine years of cumulative service in the role.
Danny Philip, who served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2011 and entered parliament in 1984, brings four decades of political experience to his bid for another term in the South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepari constituency, where he faces competition from eight others.
From Small Malaita, Rick Hou, who held the position of Prime Minister from November 15, 2017, to April 24, 2019, contends with nine other candidates, including former Foreign Affairs Minister William Haomae and former Honiara City Council Councillor Reginald Ngati. Dr. Derek Sikua, representing North East Guadalcanal, seeks reelection after two previous unsuccessful attempts, having served as Prime Minister from December 2007 to August 2010.
In Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo vies against eight others, including two female candidates, Afulia Billy and Rose Anilabata, as well as outgoing MP Alfred Efona and a former MP, Nelson Kilo and four other candidates. Lilo, who held the position of Solomon Islands Prime Minister from November 2011 to December 2014, is pursuing his fifth reelection bid since 2014.
The constituencies in Honiara have recorded the highest number of registered voters, with Central Honiara leading at 18,159, an increase of 2,173 voters. East Honiara recorded 16,671, an increase of 1,226 registered voters and West Honiara with 13,272, an increase of 2,798 registered voters. In total, Honiara has registered 48,102 voters altogether.
In recent days, Honiara experienced a standstill as float parades, disregarding traffic laws, marked the conclusion of the campaign period for candidates. For many Honiara residents, this was their first encounter with such displays. Despite police calls for compliance with traffic laws, supporters took to the streets, ignoring regulations. A liquor ban is now in effect for the next 10 days, and all constituencies are under a campaign blackout until polling day tomorrow.
The New Zealand Defence Force, along with Australia, is supporting the local police and electoral office in providing crucial logistical support for the election process. New Zealand’s support for the elections totals to SBD50m. More than 300 independent observers will oversee the democratic process at various polling stations in the Solomon Islands, with local police officers already deployed to various communities across the country.
