"We stand firm": Solomon Islands People's Democratic Coalition

Transcript

The Solomon Islands People's Democratic Coalition says it stands firm ahead of the election of the new Prime Minister due next Tuesday.

The Prime Minister will be elected by secret ballot by the 50 newly elected MPs

The Vice President of the largest party, the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement, Fred Peter, spoke with Koroi Hawkins about the focus in the lead up to Tuesday's election.

FRED PETER: For us on a, on the party level, its not over and until it's over. That's basically what I could say, I won't be able to comment on the numerical strength, things do happen but as of, as of the coalition agreement submissions, it stands as it is.

KOROI HAWKINS: So when you say standing as it is that remains on four parties supporting the coalition and 29 MPs?

FP: That's for your to figure out but that's, that's what we currently have and that's also what the advice from the GG is based on I believe.

KH: And the nominations for the prime ministerial candidates is now open. Are you putting forward a single nomination or will their be several?

FP: I won't comment on that because that is yet to be determined.

KH:I also understand that some work is ongoing in terms of merging the policies for the different parties if you can speak a little bit about that?

FP: It's in the process a draft should be ready by tomorrow, yes.

KH: What sort of a government can the people of Solomon Islands expect from you in terms of merging those policies?

FP: All I could say is, we are striving to be, I mean we are striving for the best, with the people of Solomon Islands at heart, that is what we could say for now.

KH: A lot of governments have said they'd be focusing on decentralisation and issues of helping rural people is that also going to be a theme for this coalition?

FP: Well it's being highlighted in the party manifesto's of the respective coalition parties so it is a reflection of what all the parties believed in.

KH: And the lobbying will continue up until Tuesday, are you expecting this to continue or is that something that the coalition is prepared to withstand or to weather?

FP: Yeah, that's what we are planning on. We are working towards the program that is being laid out by the Governor General in response to the coalition agreements submissions. So we do remain as a coalition and just waiting anticipating that election as called by the Governor General.

Nominations for prime ministerial candidates opened at eight this morning and will close on Friday.