The Native Iowan

I have taken the info received thus far and turned it into numbers…

This shows us the % of the vote cast in a constituency that “elected” the new member to parliament. It clearly exemplifies for me the flawed nature of the S.I. electoral system. When an elected leader (or more to the point… when 80% of the elected parliamentarians) have less than 50% of vote cast to attain office then we are in a never ending state of confused disagreement.

1 C Hon 15% Fagui
2 S Ch 18% Muala
3 W Kwar 18% Iduri
4 W. Mak 19% hamori
5 Cent Prov 24% Kemakeza
6 S Mala 25% Hou
7 Baegu 25% Kaua
8 Vatud 25% Forau
9 Lau 26% Folotalu
10 ulawa 26% tora
11 S vel 26% alex
12 WNG 28% jr T
13 Nende 30% Mewa
14 NW Ch 30% sadakabatu
15 Pele 31% maga
16 N Guale 31% sopange
17 Maringe 33% Lonbamai
18 C Mak 34% teremae
19 E Kwaio 35% Tom
20 Hograno 35% Riumana
21 Fataleka 37% Abana
22 Aoke 37% Wale
23 Morov 37% Rini
24 E guale 38% Tovosia
25 E Hon 39% ete
26 Ran/Sim 39% Sigoto
27 SNG 39% Phillip
28 Giz/Kol 41% GDL
29 nw guale 42% bobo
30 C Kwar 44% Jackson
31 N Vel 45% Tozaka
32 renbel 48% gukuna
33 N Mala 50% rasta
34 ShrtLds 50% Laore
35 W hon 57% Tran
36 c guale 58% shanel
37 Gao 67% manatoali
38 E Mala 71% Mealanga
39 NE CH 72% sagavare
40 NNG 74% JDT

Sunny day out today. But a cold wind spices it all up. Have been on some good, short rides the last couple days. Will bundle up for another “short one’ in a while. Looks like the weekend will be wide open for a long ride.

from the Sol-Star:

THE new government lost one of its members less than 24 hours after it came into power on Wednesday.

Shortlands MP Steve Laore collapsed and died at the Pacific Casino Hotel after attending a celebration dinner with government members and supporters.

Police said they were called to the hotel 2am yesterday.

“The report was the member of Parliament had collapsed in the foyer and immediately taken to the National Referral Hospital,” Police Commissioner Peter Marshall said.

“When police officers went there, they confirmed with the medical authorities that he had been pronounced death upon arrival at the Hospital.”

Mr Marshall said there were no suspicious circumstances, but confirmed a post mortem examination is underway.

“I met with MP yesterday briefly and this indeed was an extremely sad sort of circumstances for a person who has just embarking in his political career,” Mr Marshall said.

Mr Laore is a first time parliamentarian. He ousted two-term MP Augustine Taneko in the August 4 elections.

He was a mechanic and owns a construction firm.

Prime Minister Danny Philip and members of his coalition group yesterday mourned Mr Laore’s sudden passing.

“The sudden death of the late Steve is a huge loss to the family, relatives, constituency, the government and nation as a whole,” Mr Philip said.

He said Mr Laore is an “active member” of his coalition group since his recent election and throughout the process of forming the government.

“We share with you our heartfelt sympathy for the sudden passing away of our colleague MP and brother, the late Steve Laore.

“It is a heartbreaking reality that the late Steve cannot live longer to fulfill his plans, dreams and obligations to his family and constituency,” Mr Philip added.

Arrangements are being made to send Mr Laore’s body home to his constituency.

from the Sol-Star…

NEWLY elected Prime Minister Danny Philip is ensuring issues bogging the minds of many ordinary citizens are immediately cleared.

Mr Philip, during a press conference yesterday cleared his position on a number of issues and hinted some of his plans.

The following are some of the issues of immediate concern he spoke on:
On RAMSI

RAMSI’s presence in the Solomon Islands is governed by an Act of Parliament, namely the “Facilitation of Foreign Assistance Act”. It has a parliamentary mandate and only parliament can change that mandate. What my government will be doing is to liaise closely with the leaders of RAMSI to ensure that the main objectives of the mission are achieved in a timely and effective fashion.

My government will not put pressure on RAMSI; hence we will not talk about exit strategy. We will be collaborating with the mission’leadership under the current partnership arrangements to ensure that remaining tasks are achieved smoothly.

RAMSI is not an occupation force – it is here by invitation and will remain so until the work is done.

There will be continuing dialogue in areas of mutual benefits. Through these dialogues, issues will be resolved.
On logging
Logging accounts for more than 46% of the government revenue. Unfortunately, previous governments have been using this revenue source to bankroll public expenditure without giving any consideration at all for its unsustainability.
I am conscious of allegations of corruption linked to the logging sector. Where these allegations are substantiated, my government will respond with appropriate measures. These are issues of under-pricing by the department of Forest and the Central Bank. These are institutions that are legally charged with the duty of ensuring that the country gets the correct and fair prices for its log exports. If they are found to be negating on their duties, appropriate actions will be taken.
My government will be looking at the idea by the last government to establish the timber marketing commission. Perhaps this has come too late. However, if the idea is to maximise the value of our timber we will not hesitate to give it our blessings. The only caveat is that the move should not compromise our intention to cut back on our current rate of deforestation which may be detrimental to our environment.

On Gender balance and women membership in parliament
Issues of gender equality and women membership of parliament must not be pushed by the United Nations or by outside based NGOs. Such issues may only be successfully pursued by Solomon Islands women who are committed to the idea of elevating the role of women to new levels.

I have a feeling that in the constituencies contested by women candidates during the National General election, less than 8 percent of women voters voted for those women candidates and the rest instead voted for male candidates.

This shows either two things 1) that female vocies we hear do not represent the views and feelings of Solomon Islands women or that 2) women in Solomon Islands are not committed to the course.

Constitutional reform alone will not effectively put women in parliament. Women can only come to parliament if they themselves truly believe in and are united or committed to the idea. My government will be more than willing to re look at the issue in partnership with women leaders.

Whatever solution we agree on must be sustainable, democratically sound and fully acceptable to our women population throughout the nation, not just women leaders in Honiara.

On Fiji
My government will engage in direct talks. The isolation of that country by the South Pacific Forum is a serous mistake. Fiji is the home of several of our regional organisations. Their former leaders were the initiators of the South Pacific Forum. As long as the military regime in that country is committed to returning their people to democratic rule, the question of timing should not be one of too much concern.

Fiji has a unique history, unlike many of the former British, Australian and French colonies in the Pacific. My government will discuss with the Interim Prime Minister and identify the areas of electoral reform now being embarked upon. Where possible, we will seek to ensure that these reforms are carried out with genuine commitment. It is genuine commitment that is important, not the exact number of weeks or months it will take to hold democratic elections.

On Taiwan

My government does not have any desire to change its current relation with the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan. Criticisms relating to funding and aid programes are matters that may be discussed at bilateral level so that aid funds are best applied towards development projects.

If the need arises, we may review our country’s “One China policy” based on current changes in the geo-politics and geo-economics of the Asia Pacific region. Such a review will purely be a technical and professional exercise and will be for the sole purpose of my government being fully advised on what is happening at the regional and global diplomatic market places.

Solomon Islands is not that desperate so as to embark on “Cheque-book”foreign relations policy.

On State government
My government will approach the issue of state government within the overall framework of our decentralisation policy and constitutional reform.
Whatever approach we take in terms of power sharing and decentralisation, must not lead to over-burdening of our nation with huge public sector expenses. At the same time we need to take cognisance of the cry by some of our provinces for more autonomy. My government will be committed to developing a sensible policy on federalism which will take into account the conflicting demands by our people.

On Julian Moti
The issue is currently before the Australian courts. If you want to know whether I will re-engage that particular person as Attorney General, the answer is NO. We have experienced Solomon Islanders who are more than capable for the post.

I will be recomending the name of the next Attorney General to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission within the next 36 hours and he will not be from overseas.

On political reform bills
My new Attorney General will be studying the relevant draft pieces of legislation and give us advice on what may be done. The bills contain sound ideas which we will be happy to re-present to parliament at the appropriate time. This must be sooner than expected.

DANNY Philip is the country’s new prime minister.

He polled 26 votes ahead of his only rival Steve Abana, who polled 23.

One ballot was declared spoilt from the 50 ballots cast.

Governor General Sir Frank Kabui, who conducted the election in Parliament this morning, announced Mr Philip’s victory just before midday.

Speaking immediately after his election victory, Mr Philip, a former parliamentarian who was out from the political scene in the last eight years, dedicated his election to the top job, to his mother.

He said his government’s priority would be constitutional reform.

The West New Georgia-Tetepare MP said the composition of his new government will be decided in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Honiara remained calm after the results were declared.

Most of the shops, schools, and government offices closed today.

Mr Philip, who takes over the leadership from outgoing prime minister Dr Derek Sikua, is due to hold a press conference later today.

And I feel so much better…

POLICE will soon commence the next phase of the ongoing security operation in preparation for the election of the Prime Minister to be held tomorrow.

Deputy Commissioner Eddie Sikua has been appointed to take over the Operations Commander’s role as Deputy Commissioner Walter Kola is attending the Pacific’s Chiefs of Police Conference abroad.

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall has the overall responsibility for the response of the RSIPF and supporting groups and Deputy Commissioner Sikua will be reporting directly to him.

The RSIPF is the lead agency in this joint operation and will be closely supported by the RAMSI Participating Police Force and Military personnel.

The operation was anticipated to be carried out over a six weeks period but the election and follow-on counting took up additional days. Police will continue with the operation but will maintain a flexible end date depending on the election of the Prime Minister.

Additional officers conscripted under the operation will continue to support general duty officers.

They have been jointly rostered to cover each 24 hour period with a large number of officers currently carrying out High Visibility patrols in Honiara and surrounding areas.

Although police are not anticipating any trouble, preparations are in place to ensure that the election for a new Prime Minister will be carried out safely and peacefully without any disruption.

The security operation maintains the secured locations in the city and officers will continue to work from these strategic sites to effectively respond to any incident that may occur.

Police have consulted with the Speaker of National Parliament and it has been determined that the Parliament Grounds will not be open to members of the public during the election and announcement of a new Prime Minister.

Access to the parliament compound will be restricted to Parliament Members and those working in the Parliament House.

Media representatives will also be given access to the parliament compound to cover the event which will allow the whole nation to hear the announcement of the result which will be broadcasted live.

One Television company has also dedicated new facilities to enable live television coverage of the event.

This is the first time ever that such event will be broadcasted live on television and it would be a unique opportunity for television viewers to be able to watch the event live from their homes in Honiara and in some of the provinces.

The Prime Minister’s Election Day will be a public holiday and it is advisable that people stay home and listen to their radio.

Those who have access to a television are also advised to tune to One Television as the result will be broadcasted live through their channel.

Police request for a ban on the alcohol sale during the Prime Minister’s Election period has been approved by the responsible authorities.

A liquor sale and public consumption ban will be imposed starting today and will continue right through the Prime Minister’s Election and subsequent announcement.

The ban will also continue for an additional day after the announcement.

The liquor ban will include all licensed premises including hotels, motels, restaurants and bottles shops.

This will be strictly observed and any breaches of this order may result in prosecution.

The Public Liquor Consumption Ban will cover a kilometre radius from the Parliament house and any person found consuming liquor within the restricted zone will be arrested and charged.

It is important to note that the Public Liquor Consumption Ban also include liquor brought from outside into the restricted zone.

Police will be very proactive and will have a zero tolerance approach to any form of anti social behaviour or disorder, and will ensure that the Prime Minister’s Election occurs freely and without interference.

This makes me wonder if any service is essential?

In view of tomorrow’s event and following Government’s decision to allow its officers a day off tomorrow, the Governor of CBSI, Denton Rarawa has concurred that banks should close tomorrow as a precautionary measure.

Went on a ride up on the “range” above us. Some really hot views. I’ll take pictures next time.

But I have determined the beast is not a cafe’ racer… came down the range in a monster series of hair-pin curves. Would have been great on a smaller bike.

As it was, on the beast, I was in 3rd gear and sweating buckets… feel like I had a rough workout.

Was a lot of fun, after the fact. But won’t be doing that run again, soon.

From what this says… The Public Service does not perform ‘essential” services…

The Ministry of Home Affairs has advised that tomorrow remains a normal working day for all essential services. The Permanent Secretary of the Public Service however has requested that public officers not attend work tomorrow (Wednesday 25) for security purposes. No official instrument declaring a public holiday has been made, but in view of the potential security issue surrounding the election of the Prime Minister, the Ministry advises that employers are free to take the necessary steps they deem appropriate to minimize potential risks to businesses and employees; including temporary closure to workplace

A bit of winter in the air today. yesterday was perfect for riding. Today is too bloody cold. Bummer!

interesting in it’s own way… I would say that Abana would offer the best hope for the future. Though strongly Malaitan in makeup it has perhaps the brightest minds available. Of course the Phillip’s contingent is the old cronies from the west. Though I know these guys well I have lost faith in them ages ago…

STEVE Abana and Danny Philip will contest the prime minster’s position in the election to be conducted Wednesday next week.

Government House announced the two candidates after nominations closed 4pm this afternoon.

Mr Abana, MP for Fataleka in Malaita, was nominated by the Heritage Park Hotel camp. He is the leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party which won the highest number of seats in the August 4 national elections.

Mr Philip, MP for Rendova Tetepare and leader of the Reform and Democratic Party of Solomon Islands, was nominated by the Honiara Hotel camp.

Government House says those are the only two nominations received at the close of nominations.

Governor General Sir Frank Kabui will conduct the election at Parliament House starting at 9am.

juz back from a couple of real good hours on the highway. great weather. No traffic to speak of. A great ride…

Got rained out yesterday. Rode into Brisbane today. Traffic was good. I love the cruise-control optionon “the beast”.

Temps are real brisk but it’s OK. The heated grips make all the difference. I’m taking the heated seat to bed with me.

Weather permitting will do another couple hudred ks tomorrow. Had planned for a lot more hours on the road this weekend though keen I’m not willing to fare the cold.

No picts but got tunes…
03 chained

Getting ready for a ride in the morning. It’s a bit chilly out but with heated seat and hand grips a short, 80 klick ride is a good way to start the day…

09 The Shape I’m In

THE battle to form the next government is now set to be fought between two major camps.

This followed the merger of three camps in Honiara at the weekend, which immediately claimed a membership of 35.

They include the Pacific Casino, Mendana Hotel, and Honiara Hotel camp.

However, the Heritage Park Hotel camp, comprised mainly of members of the last government, is also confident of forming the next government.

Heritage Park Hotel camp spokesman Mathew Wale said claims by the other group of having 35 members did not affect their numbers.

“Currently we have 22 signatures, but three – Clay Forau, Samuel Manetoali and Walter Folotalu – will arrive tomorrow,” Mr Wale told the Solomon last night.

“Another MP is hopefully going to sign with us tomorrow and that should give us the edge,” he said.

Mr Wale said he had various discussions with individual MPs from and other groups yesterday.

Each group needs a simple majority of 26 members to form the government.

Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui is expected to announce the date of the election of the prime minister this week.

This followed the gazetting of the national election results yesterday.

The announcement will open up four days of nomination which will be followed by the election, expected early next week.

Mr Wale said it’s sad to see the process of forming the next government being driven by the issue of prime minister rather than policy issues.

He said policy issues should come first before we could even discuss the issue of whose going to be the next prime minister.

The Heritage Park Hotel camp last night held its fellowship led by president of Solomon Islands Democratic Party Fr John Ini Lapli.

Mr Wale said they’ll go through the process of nominating their candidate for the PM’s post this week.

“At this time, we have no names being put forward for the post,” he said.

No one from the other camp was immediately available for comments last night.

what is the Speaker’s seat worth…

THE next question people are asking is who is going to lead the country for the next four years.

And from that, people are interested to know when the second election (election of PM) will be held.

It is still not clear at this stage but the parliament will have to meet and elect the new speaker first.

Asked how long it will take before a new prime minister is elected, caretaker Prime MInister Dr Derick Sikua said they will need to elect a speaker first.

“At this stage, we have to get parliament to come and elect the speaker, and once that is done we can then have parliament to set the date for the election of the Prime Minister and that will take about two weeks.

“So it will be a long process to get to the time, talking about another three to four weeks,” Dr Sikua said.

The election of a new speaker will be necessary because the incumbent Sir Peter Kenilorea is retiring.

The deputy speaker Clement Kengava has also lost his parliamentary seat.

Dr Sikua said they have a few options.

“We have a few options to consider, certainly the former deputy speaker who unfortunately lost his seat will be one of our candidates but the coalition will consider other people that we want to occupy the speaker’s position.

“But at this stage I have no one in mind but there are two or three well qualified people that can occupy that position.”

Meanwhile, he said coming to a conclusion as to who will lead the next government is not an easy task.

“It’s usually not an easy compromise to arrive at in any coalition.

“There will be a lot of discussions and it will take a lot of thinking but I hope at the end of the day the best for all of us will come out as to who we decided to put in, but it will take us a good two weeks.”

not good news here folks… Mr. Snyder Rini is the guy who was elected Prime Minister after the elections in 2006… His election sparked riots that saw China town get burnt. Job DUdley Tausinga is the guy who, after the riots, stepped up and said he would help solve the problems… and it all became a big mess, once again. Golly, sure do look like more o’ the same here…

COUNTING of ballots for four constituencies are yet to be concluded, but political lobbying has already started.

Parties trying to form the next government have started the so-called “number-game”.

A party, never active in its campaign prior to the National General Election, the Independent Democratic Party (formerly Association of Independent Members) has suddenly popped up yesterday and is now in camp.

Led by Snyder Rini, Independent Democratic Party (IDP) has Honiara Hotel owner Sir Thomas Chan as its president.

“We have already started a coalition and we are now in camp at the Honiara Hotel,” Secretary Leonard Kaitu’u told the Solomon Star yesterday.

Asked why IDP suddenly popped up just after the election to form a coalition, Mr Kaitu’u said IDP is a long established party.

“IDP started in 1997 under the name Association of the Independent Members of Parliament (AIMP).

“In 2004, AIMP was registered as an Independent Party under the current name IDP.”

He said they were inactive prior to the election because they want to take a low profile campaign.

“We did it silently, but we have our platform policies,” he said.

Mr Kaitu’u claimed that 19 IDP candidates have already won their respective constituencies seats.

“We contested in 47 constituencies and 19 have already won but the figure is expected to peak at 24 after the results of the remaining constituencies are known.”

Asked to provide the list of names of the 19 members claimed, he said they decided not to release the names at this stage.

“We await the last four and for everyone to come over to Honiara before we could confirm the list.”

He said IDP will partner with Job Duddley Tausinga’s Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement and People’s Alliance Party to form the next government.

“This proposed coalition is confident it will have the strength of about 42 MPs to form the new government, probably before the end of this month,” Mr Kaitu’u said.

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.

And there remains a ray of light, a shred of hope…

RICK HOU has won the Small Malaita seat after counting ended last night, the Solomon Star can reveal.

But the Returning Officer for the constituency has withheld announcing the results due to pressure from supporters of the runner up candidate William Haomae.

However, a polling agent of Mr Hou who returned from Afio station to his village at Riverside at 11 pm last night confirmed Mr Hou is the new MP.

Riverside is few minutes by boat from Afio station in the passage dividing Small and Big Malaita.

According to the agent, Mr Hou polled 1,689, 72 votes difference from Mr Haomae’s 1,617.

Fourteen candidates contested the seat.

The agent said Mr Hou managed to overtake Mr Haomae when counting settled at the last polling station of his village at Riverside.

Mr Haomae reportedly led the race from the start with 900 votes difference from Mr Hou at wards 21 and 22.

At ward 23, the tide changed for the former Foreign Affairs Minister, after Mr Hou slowly edged him to gain the victory.

It was a all night celebration for Mr Hou’s supporters and families at Riverside after the news was relayed to them.

The Solomon Star could hear the celebration at the background when speaking to the agent on mobile phone.

Mr Hou’s victory is poised to strengthen the profile of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, as MPs move to Honiara in the next few days to form the government.

Other members of the party already declared winners are Mathew Wale, Sam Iduri, Stanley Sofu and Peter Tom.

The Party’s wing leader, Steve Abana is still waiting for his result in the Fataleka constituency, which is expected today.

Mr Hou returned to pursue a political career after he resigned his lucrative job with the World Bank in Washington DC this year.