The Native Iowan

AFTER two days of counting, 29 of the 50 new Members of Parliament have been known by last night.

Of the 29, 16 are returning MPs, while 13 are new comers.

A number of business men have become members of parliament, defeating long-serving MPs.

In the Central Kwara’ae Constituency, the former deputy prime minister in the CNURA government, Fred Fono, lost his seat to businessman turned politician, Jackson Fiulau.

Mr Fiulau is the owner of Rarasu Motel in Auki.

Mr Fono, a former public servant, served three terms as member of parliament.

In the North West Guadalcanal constituency, Siriako Usa, lost to another businessman turned politician Horst Heinz Bodo Dettke.

Mr Dettke polled 2,400 votes to Usa’s 1,094.

Jimmy Lusibaea, a former Malaita Eagle Force commander, is the new MP for North Malaita, unseating Enele Kwanairara.

Former member of parliament, Danny Phillip, has made a come back, defeating outgoing MP Francis Zama in the South New Georgia Constituency.

Sam Iduri has retained his West Kwara’ae seat.

Selwyn Riumana has also retained his seat in Hongrano/Kia/Havulei along with Mark Kemakeza of Gela.

Rick Hou was unofficially named the winner in Small Malaita last night.

Counting for Guadalcanal, Makira-Ulawa, and Temotu constituencies continue today.

Malaita Outer Islands will go to the polls on Monday after bade weather prevented elections from being conducted on Wednesday this week.