Political Competition Intensifies in Vella La Vella with the Arrival of April
By Alfred Pagepitu, Stringer/Reporter – Western Province
South Vella la Vella constituency kicks off April with the inauguration of three political campaigns. On Tuesday, April 2nd, caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour, and Immigration, Fredrick Kologeto, spearheaded his campaign at Barokoma village.
Kologeto’s political endeavor is under the banner of the Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP). Joining him in the race, Jacob Kwan, an independent candidate, launches his campaign today, Wednesday, April 3rd. Dr. Hedrick Kuboto Kaniki, affiliated with the Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP), follows suit on Thursday, April 4th, at Eleoteve Village.
A total of six candidates are contending for representation in the South Vella constituency. Ronald Ivupitu, Conrad Rore, and Alex Lionel have already embarked on their campaigns, actively engaging with constituents.
In parallel, candidates in the North Vella la Vella constituency gear up for their political endeavors this week. Four contenders are ready to challenge the outgoing MP and Caretaker Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Clezy Rore. Thonley Hite and Kivolyn Alex Gina run independently, while Anthony Ele represents the Solomon Islands Kadere Party (SIKP), and Bennett Pakovati is affiliated with the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP).
Kivolyn Alex Gina launches his political campaign today, Wednesday, at Irigila village, while Clezy Rore holds his event in Boro tomorrow, April 4th. Anthony Ele initiated his campaign on Tuesday, the 3rd, at Leona Village, while Bennett Pakovati will commence his on Wednesday, also at Leona Village. Thonley Hite’s campaign launch will coincide with his fellow candidates later in the week.
With candidates concluding their launching events, voters eagerly anticipate learning about their visions and plans for the constituency as they prepare to cast their vote on April 17th.
Contribution from our stringer in Western Province is supported by BBC Media Action through Media Strengthening in Solomon Islands Project with the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI)