Line-up for Solomons’ leadership

From a Honiara correspondent

“Slow and steady wins the race” is probably the rule of thumb for Solomons politicians in these crucial months before the introduction of the ministerial system and a greater measure of self-government.

Neither of the two parties has yet announced whether either has a majority.

It seems certain, however, that the country is going to get a coalition government, and, judging by the comments made in the past month, it will be between one of the two parties and the five independents who have formed a loose group.

The important men now are the independents—the member for Gela, Moses Razak; the member for Vella Lavella and the Shortlands, Andrew Kukuti; the member for New Georgia and Rendova, Bill Page; the member for the Eastern Outer Islands, Moffat Bonunga, and the member for West Ysabel, Willie Betu, who is Chairman of the Social Services Committee of Govern ing Council.

At about this time last year, it seemed that the now Chairman of Commerce and Industry Committee, David Kausimae, was in the front ranks of those in line for the Chief Ministership. Things are different now. No formal leadership of the new People’s

Progress Party (PPP) has been announced. Solomon Mamaloni, the member for West Makira who is the Chairman of the Local Government Committee, has, to-date, been called the spokesman for the party, while it is understood that David Kausimae is also a member of the party.

The United Solomon Islands Party (USIPA) has its leader in Benedict Kinika from East Makira, the same island as Mamaloni, and Dr Gideon Zoleveke, member for Choiseul and Chairman of the Com munications and Works Committee, as its deputy leader. Phillip Solodia, despite previous reports, also continues to be a front runner.

If anything makes the election of the Chief Minister important, it is the fact that he will be the first recognised leader of the Solomons, and as such will have to set a precedent of human understanding, approachability, integrity and humility that is very important in leadership in Solomon Islands society so that the people can trust their government. Mistrust has dogged the colonial government since it was established. If the party in power is not careful enough, this could be perpetuated and take many years to over come.