RENNELL and Bellona Province is expected to elect a new Premier within 48 hours, following the successful passage of a motion of no confidence against former Premier Derek Tenoaika Pongi.
The motion was carried by a vote of 6–4 during a special sitting of the Provincial Assembly held yesterday in the provincial capital, Tigoa. A total of 10 Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) were present and voted.
The motion was moved by Ward 4 MPA, Eric Sau’eha.
Speaking after the vote, former Premier Pongi said he had little to add, noting that the motion of no confidence process was a democratic one and largely determined by numbers.
“I cannot say anything now because it is a numbers game, even though whatever reasons we can use in the motion of no confidence,” he said.
Pongi confirmed that the Assembly is now in the process of nominating candidates for the Premier’s position, with lobbying intensifying within both camps ahead of the election.
Prior to the vote, Pongi had stated that he would accept the outcome with dignity should his government fall.
“If my government is going to fall, I will accept the defeat with honour and not drag the province into a political tug-of-war,” he said.
MPA Pongi, who was elected Premier on 17 May 2024, said his Alliance for Reform and Progress government had made notable progress during his 18 months in office, particularly in restoring public confidence in provincial leadership.
He said his administration successfully passed two Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) submissions, allowing the province to access development funding—something he noted previous administrations had failed to achieve due to unmet requirements.
“For the first time, the province has accessed ward grants, which are now paid directly to Ward Development Committees,” he said.
Pongi also highlighted infrastructure improvements, including sanitation facilities in selected schools, the installation of 24-hour solar power, and Starlink internet services at Tigoa Station.
He further suggested that external influence may have contributed to the motion, citing his government’s refusal to grant a business licence to Nickel Exploration Solomon Islands Ltd (NESI) due to failure to follow due process.
Despite the outcome, Pongi said he remains ready to work with any future provincial government.
“Leadership did not begin when I became an MPA. I have served in South Seas Evangelical Church leadership and in my communities in Rennell,” he said.
