Former Solomon Islands diplomat Patterson Oti and 10th Parliament speaker Ajilon Nasiu will be vying for the speaker’s post during the election which set down for today.
This is the first sitting of the 11th parliament.
He was nominated by the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) while Nasiu was nominated by the Parliamentary Opposition group.
In 2010 Oti considered standing for the position of Speaker of Parliament and obtained the support of both the government and the opposition, before he unexpectedly withdrew his candidacy.
He later served as the government’s “special envoy” to the Melanesian Spearhead Group, then, in September 2011, was appointed High Commissioner to Fiji.
The position of the Speaker of National Parliament is created under Section 64 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands.
The Speaker is elected by Members of Parliament every four (4) years in accordance to Order 5 of the Standing Orders of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.
The role of the Speaker, as specified under Section 65 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands, is to preside over sittings of parliament and to ensure that Members conduct themselves in accordance to the Standing Orders of National Parliament.
It is also understood that the Members of Parliament will also take their Oath of Allegiance today before they can fully take part in any parliament proceedings.
By ANDREW FANASIA
