Malaita’s former high-profile premier Daniel Suidani launched his new political party in Auki last week ahead of the national election scheduled for April 17. 

Iumi For Change (U4C), says Suidani, is an offspring of the MARA government, which he once led, with members consisting of those in the rural communities.  

“Through the restorative economy framework of the MARA Government, the Party recognizes and respects the cultural, religious, racial, and linguistic diversity of its members and the people of Solomon Islands,” Suidani told the crowd that gathered at the Auki market to witness the event. 

Suidani is being backed by his former advisor Celsius Talifilu as secretary. 

His party, he added, looks to further advance (at the national level) some of the political and policy ideas and ideals that Malaita’s former MARA government had been promoting.  

He said the Party’s policy thrust of “change” emphasising the restorative economy approach shall be consistent with the preamble, Party’s vision, and philosophical character.  

“The Party seeks the mandate of the people to be involved in representing their interests at the provincial, national, regional, and international forums and in governing Solomon Islands and shall tirelessly work to address the following policies.” 

The president said the manifesto creates a platform for U4C to establish a social contract with Solomon Islanders, which is driven by motivation for good governance and better development that will generate change.  

“I would like to strongly emphasize that the Manifesto of the party has the sole intention of building a united, progressive, harmonious, safe, and just society from island to island in our beautiful and beloved country Solomon Islands.” 

Suidani dismissed views that some people are promoting against the party which claimed U4C is only for Malaitans.  

“That view is contrary to the preamble of the party, which is a party aimed at building a united, progressive, harmonious, safe and a just society form island to island.” 

“In addition, the party among other things in its preamble recognised the desire to ensure indigenous Solomon Islanders fully benefit from their natural resources, through political and economic structures that encourage a restorative economy approach that builds up our people’s resources instead of destroying them, raises our cultures and values instead of pushing them to the ground, invests in our people and their knowledge instead of exploiting them, builds unity instead of jealousy.” 

Party Vice President Wendy Vahoe told In-depth Solomons that the party is established to serve the interest of people. 

“This is a party for the people and will genuinely promote the plight of people,” Vahoe stated. 

U4C’s aims and objectives among other things are to: 

•adhere to and embrace the values and principles contained in the Constitution of Solomon Islands and this document to ensure that it remains a political party that follows the law, is ethical in its activities, and remains faithful to its members and the people. 

•provide a platform for elect leaders that is respectful and honest, and display acceptable behaviour, 

•have a vision and heart to serve the people, and demonstrate an attitude of making sacrifices to protect and serve the people’s interest at the national and provincial levels. 

•promote and maintain a development approach that puts emphasis on a restorative economy framework, is equitable and just, and where no one is disempowered or is dependent on handouts from politicians; 

•embrace and promote core values and principles such as truth, trust, equality, justice, solidarity, service; 

•promote freedom, transparency, humble and obedient leadership, and accountability; 

•champion the social, economic, and cultural rights to which every indigenous Solomon Islander is entitled. 

•ensure that all citizens have a free and just life and that their rights are actively promoted, implemented, and protected. 

•ensure the voices of traditional leaders, churches, women, youths, and those with special needs, are considered as part of the decision-making process at the national, provincial, and community levels. 

•create equal opportunities for Solomon Islanders including people with disabilities to be successful participants in the economy as workers with better work conditions and salaries, and entrepreneurs. 

•create an environment that recognises people with disabilities’ abilities and capabilities, and protects their rights. 

•protect indigenous sovereignty and economy (customary land, environment, and custom) with an emphasis on creating a legal infrastructure to recognise and empower tribes as the custodian of customary land and resources, the key institutions for sustainable and lasting development. 

•address the unfinished business of devolution of powers through a workable system, implementation of the truth and reconciliation report, and implementation of the Townsville Peace Agreement, and shall strive for the empowerment and transformation of Solomon Islands. 

•pursue policies in the following areas: ethics and integrity; public sector; governing systems; economy; private sector; foreign relations; health; security, law and order; gender balance and youths; climate change, natural disasters, and the environment; democracy, peace, and national unity 

Umi For Change received their certificate of Registration as a political party on the 9^th of January 2024 from the Political Parties Commission and is one of three newly registered parties that will be contesting the upcoming elections. 

Suidani said he will be contesting his Fataleka ward in the provincial elections, while Talifilu is eying the Baegu-Asifola Constituency in the national elections.