Early results in Malaita’s provincial elections saw ousted former premier Daniel Suidani regaining his seat, while his political nemesis and successor Martin Fini lost his re-election bid.

Suidani secured his second term for the West Baegu/Fataleka ward, and is again eying the premier’s position which he lost in a no-confidence vote last year.

A former school teacher, Suidani swept to international headlines when he put a stop to China and any of its companies from entering and doing business in Malaita.

His anti-China stance put him on a collision course with the Sogavare-led DCGA Government, and eventually led to his ousting in a no-confidence vote.

The Sogavare government went further and disqualified Suidani from his seat for going against the national government’s one-China policy. Suidani has challenged the action, and the matter is still in court.

Fini, who is MPA for Buma ward, replaced Suidani and immediately welcomed China into Malaita.

And at the national government’s behest, he recently signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Jiangsu province.

China also offered to tar-seal the road in provincial capital Auki. Documents on the undertaking were already signed with Fini.

Counting for Malaita provincial election is continuing.