A top Solomon Islands politician has reportedly offered 2.5 million Solomon Island dollars for five MPs to join his camp as efforts continue to form a new government.
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands overlooking Honiara City Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins
The President of the People's Alliance Party, Sir Nathaniel Waena, says the offer of 330,000 US dollars was made by Mathew Wale in talks in a hotel with several other MPs, including two former Prime Ministers.
This comes as two camps vie to form a majority after last month's election, and nominations for the post of Prime Minister close today.
Sir Nathaniel says he is deeply saddened that an MP who has spoken out so strongly against corruption and the importance of Christian principles would make such offers.
"He said should Alliance MP's move to join with the Executive, I [Mathew Wale] should be able to bring five more members from this other camp by having to pay 500,000 dollars each for the five members. As we speak he has not done that but he has made that bold statement."
Sir Nathaniel, who is a former minister and Governor General, says he reprimanded Mr Wale in front of the elected members present.
Government House says it has received one nomination for prime minister, but declined to name the candidate.
