Mary Garu calls for unity and inclusive development as she leads constituency

by Ronald Toito’ona

Mary Daniella Zae Garu has made history as the first female to be elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for West Guadalcanal Constituency, following a by-election held on June 4. 

She is the wife of former West Guadalcanal MP, late Moses Garu, who died in February 2025, while he was still a sitting MP. 

His death triggered the by-election.

Late Garu previously held the West Guadalcanal’s seat for two terms before former MP, Anthony Veke, ousted him in the 2019 election. 

But Garu made an unlikely come-back and regained the seat in the 2024 National General Elections.

For Mrs Garu, her victory in the recent by-election makes her the fourth woman to be elected in the 12th-parliament.

While commentators say her victory is a result of “sympathy vote” – a usual trend in the Solomon Islands politics, it is a personal milestone and a symbolic continuation of the legacy left by her late husband.

This week, the new MP-elect spoke to the local media for the very first time, following her victory which was announced on the night of Friday 6th June.

The new female MP says she is ready to lead, unite, and deliver for all people of West Guadalcanal—regardless of how they voted. 

With development plans already in place, her focus now is on implementation and inclusion, she added.

Mrs Garu first reflected on the many personal and political challenges she faced throughout the campaign period.

Overcoming the challenges

She acknowledged the difficult conditions under which her campaign was conducted, citing weather disruptions, logistical setbacks, and financial constraints.

“Despite all of that, we made it through. 

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and stood by me. I especially thank God, my family, and everyone who prayed for our campaign. 

“Some of the support wasn’t visible, but I know people were behind us.

“The challenges in the election were many, but I was able to overcome them and stand here as the new MP-elect for West Guadalcanal today,” she recalled.

Garu’s political walk to the top

Mrs Garu’s political journey is not one that began with this recent by-election. 

Her involvement in public service, particularly during her late husband’s early terms in office, laid the groundwork for her transition into leadership. 

During her late husband’s first term, she served informally, assisting with constituency matters behind the scenes. 

In the second term, she was appointed as the Constituency Development Officer (CDO) but only for a year from 2017 to 2018—a role that allowed her to engage more directly with people at the grassroots level.

“Many came to our home for help—not just women, but children and others facing all sorts of challenges,” she said. 

“I made it my duty to attend to their needs, whether inside or outside the office.”

New MP ready to deliver

Mrs Garu emphasized that she is not entering politics to start from scratch but to continue the work her late husband started. 

According to her, detailed development plans for the constituency are already in place with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), and she is ready to implement them.

“My plan is to carry on with the work that my late husband had set. All the work plans are already with MRD, and we are ready to roll them out once I am officially sworn in,” she explained. 

“Once I settle into office, we will hit the ground running.”

At the moment, she is now preparing to be officially sworn into Parliament.

She told local media that her mission to lead is built on a foundation laid by her husband, and deliver meaningful development for all of West Guadalcanal.

Whether she will succeed in transforming her constituency and inspiring a new generation of women leaders remains to be seen, but for now, West Guadalcanal has turned a new page with a woman at the helm.

Championing Women and Unity

Mrs Garu said the recent election and her victory is particularly significant for women across Solomon Islands. 

She added, as one of the few female MPs in a male-dominated Parliament, her victory sends a strong message about the capabilities of women in leadership.

“To all women and girls—this is your door opened,” she declared. 

“As mothers, we already lead in our homes. Many of us lead in communities, churches, and workplaces. In town, women are already holding senior positions in their offices.”

She acknowledged that societal perceptions around women in leadership, particularly in Parliament, remain a challenge, but said these barriers can be broken through hard work and perseverance.

“I want to tell our girls in school: work hard. Strive not just for today, but for the future. You can become someone. There will be challenges, but you can overcome them.”

Appeal for unity

One of the most powerful parts of her message was a passionate appeal for unity across the West Guadalcanal Constituency.

“As the new MP, I appeal to our people to come together. We must work in partnership to develop our constituency. Without unity and stability, nothing will work well,” she said. 

“Let us put our differences behind us—whether big or small—and move forward together.”

Mrs Garu pledged to serve all constituents, regardless of political affiliation or voting preference.

“Whether you voted for me or not, I am your MP. 

“My door is open to everyone. I will not choose who to assist based on votes. Every person in West Guadalcanal has the right to come to my office and seek help.”

She called for an end to the mentality that only supporters should receive development benefits, describing it as divisive and detrimental to progress.

The new West Guadalcanal MP now joins the Government for National Unity & Transformation (GNUT) and has been welcomed as a member to the OUR Party. He contested the by-election as an Independent candidate.