Daniel Suidani, the former Premier of Malaita Province in Solomon Islands, has announced that he will not be contesting in the premier’s election in provincial capital Auki, next Tuesday.
This decision comes as a surprise to many, following earlier reports that he is seeking re-election to become the premier of the country’s most populous province again.
In a video released by Malaita Issues, an Auki-based media/news group, Suidani cited personal reasons for his decision.
“There are reports from my colleagues in the Provincial Assembly suggesting that if I am re-elected as Premier, I will halt developments in Malaita,” Suidani said.
“This rumor has now become a topic of discussion in Auki and among the elected MPAs of the province,” he added.
He also assured the people of Malaita and his colleague MPAs that the rumor is not true.
“Having said that, I wish not to contest again for the Premier’s seat next week.”
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Malaita for their support during his time in office and urged them to continue supporting the new provincial government for the good of the province.
Suidani’s decision not to contest has sparked speculation about who will be the next premier for Solomon Islands most populous province.
Several names have been floating as potential candidates, including rival MPA, Elijah Asilaua, who is heading another camp.
The announcement has also raised questions about the future direction of Malaita Province.
Suidani has been a vocal advocate for the rights and autonomy of Malaita, often clashing with the national government over issues such as the proposed China-backed development projects in the province.
In the video, Suidani also explains that what his former Malaita Alliance for Rural Advancement (MARA) government was standing up for was merely the questioning of issues of interest that might affect the lives of Malaitans. This was highlighted in the Auki Communique.
Despite his decision not to contest in the election, Suidani has pledged to continue working for the good of the people of Malaita.
“I will continue to work with any government that is formed to help the people of Malaita,” he stated.
Suidani has been a prominent figure in Malaita politics and has served as Premier from 2019 to early 2023.
He was removed from the position in a No-Confidence Motion in February last year, after two earlier motions against him and his MARA government in 2021 and 2022 failed.
His removal was believed to have been engineered by the last Sogavare government, who often clashed with Suidani over the “One China principle”.
In a letter dated 20 March 2023, the national government declared Suidani “unsuitable for office” due to his opposition to China.
At the time, Rollen Seleso, the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, disqualified Suidani from holding his position in the Malaita Provincial Assembly.
The government instructed Ronnie Butafa, the former Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, to officially declare Suidani’s seat – Ward 5 of Baegu-West Fataleka – vacant.
Suidani has challenged the decision, and the matter is still in the High Court.
In the April 17 elections, Suidani scored a landslide victory to reclaim his provincial seat.