He may have only 20 of the 50 MPs on his side, but Matthew Wale says he remains confident of a surprise result in tomorrow’s prime ministerial election.
Wale will be up against Jeremiah Manele in the contest for the top political job, which will take place at the National Parliament from 9.30am.
Speaking exclusively to In-depth Solomons tonight, Wale said he trusts his members as talks are continuing to garner support from parliamentarians to form the new government.
“I trust the collective wisdom of Members of Parliament,” Wale said after participating in a symposium the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) organised for the two candidates.
Manele failed to show up for the event, giving Wale the entire hour to spell out his group’s policy intentions to mostly students and lecturers who attended the event.
“Lots of discussions [lobbying] are continuing, and I hope that MPs consider the future of this country – the need for free education, improved health care system, roads (infrastructure) to improve, and more,” Wale said.
“Those things ought to be leading the discussions. It shouldn’t be about position and money.
“So, I hope that members will take all of that into consideration, when they are making their decision tomorrow.
“The decision process is not yet done, until the votes [for PM] is done. We’ll have to live it like that; that’s the process,” he said.
He also appeals to members of the public to respect and allow tomorrow’s election to be conducted peacefully.
“To all citizens of Solomon Islands, I love you all. Allow us to participate in this democratic process tomorrow.
“Your Prime Minister will be elected. Whatever the outcome, that’s the collective wisdom of your Members of Parliament,” he added.
At the same time, Ricky Fuo’o, a member of the Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP) and the newly elected Member of Parliament for Central Kwara’ae, urges his constituents to remain calm and united.
“Citizens from Central Kwara’ae back home and those living in and around Honiara, as your elected representative in Parliament, it is my duty to address you during this crucial time in our nation’s democratic process.
“With the election of our Prime Minister tomorrow , I urge each and every one of you to remain calm, composed, and respectful of the outcome, regardless of who is elected,” Fuo’o posted on his Facebook account.
“Our democracy is a cornerstone of our society, and it is imperative that we uphold its principles by respecting the results of the election.
“No matter our personal preferences or political affiliations, the individual chosen to lead our nation deserves our support and respect. After all we are one people under one flag.
“Violence and unrest have no place in our democratic process.
“They only serve to harm our communities and undermine the progress we have worked so hard to achieve.
“Let us remember that in times of strife, it is our own people who suffer the most. Let us think about the future of our children and the legacy we wish to leave for generations to come.
“Now, more than ever, we must stand united as proud citizens of the Solomon Islands.
“Together, hand in hand, let us protect and preserve the peace and prosperity of our beloved nation.
“Let us show the world the strength of our democracy and the resilience of our people.”