17 Apr 2019

Inciteful comments by Solomons politicians worrying - academic

From , 3:03 pm on 17 April 2019

Solomon Island MPs will vote for the country's prime minister next Wednesday. (April 24) 

So far two MPs have been put forward to contest for the top job with nominations to close on Thursday.

Seasoned politician Manasseh Sogavare who has been prime minister three times before has been nominated by the Democratic Coalition for Advancement. 

And newcomer Peter Kenilorea Junior a first time MP, and also the son of Solomon Islands first prime minister, has been nominated by the Grand Coaltion, which is the other political grouping vying to form government.  

Each prime ministerial candidate must be nominated by four MPs.

In order to win, a candidate must secure the support of at least 26 of the 50 MPs in the house.

Koroi Hawkins spoke with Solomon Islands academic Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, an Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at University of Hawaii Manoa, about the process and the politics in the lead up to the vote.

Solomon Islands coats of arms on Parliament buildings in Honiara

Solomon Islands coats of arms on Parliament buildings in Honiara Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins