With elections in Solomon Islands just eight weeks away, parties contesting the polls are stepping for the challenge.
This week, two political parties that made up the last Opposition – Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) and the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) – signed a coalition agreement to contest the April 17 polls.
Matthew Wale, SIDP wing leader and head of DAP Rick Houenipwela, signed the agreement.
The two former MPs will lead their group under the name Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE) with the slogan ‘WE CARE’.
Earlier, former high-profile premier of Malaita, Daniel Suidani, launched his newly-established Iumi For Change (U4C) Party.
U4C will contest the elections – both at the national and provincial levels – with the pledge to building a united, progressive, harmonious, safe, and just society .
Yesterday, OUR Party, under the leadership of acting Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, launched their platform (see separate story).
Members of Our Party, comprised of all ministers and backbenchers in the last DCGA government, are seeking a second term in power.
Thirteen political parties are expected to contest the polls. Most of them are due to do their launch in the coming days.
Wale and Houenipwela will launch their new coalition Tuesday next week in Honiara.
SIDP wing leader Wale said his coalition is looking to present the electorates with strong and quality candidates.
“It is important that the country can trust our leadership to be responsible, balanced and competent to lead a government that will chart the direction the country must take over the next few years,” Wale said.
He added the coalition would ensure that they run a clean campaign, as the prerequisite to making the changes necessary to confront the evils that have oppressed our country and its economy for so long.
“We pledge ourselves as leaders who do not bow down to the temptation and pressure of money to abandon our commitment to liberating the Solomon Islands economy and people from foreign domination,” he said.
Wale said there is clear indication right across the country that the cry for change is loud and clear.
“Together as the Coalition for Accountability, Reform, & Empowerment (CARE), we have competent, strong & responsible leadership. We see clearly the problems and challenges facing our country,” he said.
Wale said the prescription is for meaningful substantive change.
“Change of government, change in leadership, and change in direction.
“We have policy proposals that, though ambitious, are going to help us realise those opportunities.
“Now it is up to us, candidates to persuade the voters to trust us and give our coalition the mandate to form and run the next government.
“Why? Because we CARE,” he said.
Election officials say the total number of parties that will contest the elections will be finalised at a later date.
Acting Registrar of the Political Parties Commission, Glinson Galo, earlier said five Political Parties were deregistered last year because of noncompliance with the Political Parties Integrity Act.
He said the commission has approved the registration of three new political parties this year.
Australia, New Zealand and other partners are funding the joint provincial and national elections.
Meanwhile, thousands of Solomon Islanders currently working in Australia and New Zealand under the labour mobility scheme will not be able to vote in this year’s elections as there is no provision for overseas voters.