DEAR EDITOR – A good member of senior residents in West Honiara have expressed concern on the activities of one of the constituency’s intending candidates Tran Namson.
Originally of Vietnamese background, Mr Namson is the boss of the Honiara Casino.
Millions of dollars are being thrown into the gambling arena, mostly by locals who could either ended with luck or had their earning drain out in one go.
As the owner, Namson access the casino’s coffer at anytime without having to consult with any other party.
Gamblers who are close to the businessman describe him a highly wealthy person.
Those who survived on Namson’s generosity revealed how this man has eyed West Honiara.
In past elections, Namson reportedly backed his former associates, Charles Dausabea (Former MP of East Honiara) and the current member of Central Honiara, Nelson Ne’e.
He argued in later years that despite availing huge packages, no tangible development had been seen in the constituencies of Honiara.
It prompts him to announce his candidency in mid 2009.
Namson is a strong man in West Honiara and other parts of the city.
However, complainants in the constituency claim it is first time in the history of Solomon Islands for someone in broad daylight to involve in what may amount to bribery.
Although Namson has yet to enter the parliament, he had aggressively put in place in his election agenda – non-stoppable activities.
He reportedly foots unpaid bills, reinstated community basic services, and supported school fees.
The weekly Namson touch rugby which appears daily in the local newspapers is another viable activity which could constitute inducing of voters.
It will be interesting to match the census population of West Honiara and the electoral list when the two documents are finalised.
In a twist from normal procedures, Namson’s team had spreaded to collect names outside the constituency.
It was reported; the team toured Hatodea on Manaoba Island in Lau of Malaita and were also sighted in other nearby island villages of Lau.
With this major exercise, involving shifting of names from Central and East Honiara constituencies, it is believed it will inflate the West Honiara electoral lists if it goes through the system.
Families and individuals have also voluntarily signed up in the rush for money.
Food for Thought
It is the wish of those who raised the issues for the electoral office to step in and explain whether the activities which involved one of the intending candidates for West Honiara is proper or an abuse of the electoral process.
This is to avoid having to go to the court with the same complaints after the elections.
Ricky Turi
West Honiara
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