AS Parliament prepares for its meeting later this week, there are unconfirmed reports the number-crunching game has begun in earnest.
Big names such as former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is reportedly prepared to walk out with at least nine supporters in tow. This has given rise to speculation that if he walked out, he would be demanding no less than the post of Prime Minister’s.
GNUT’s coalition partner, People First Party is reportedly ready to move out as well with at least 19 MPs in tow.
The Party is led by businessman and MP, Chachabule Amoi and the Chairman of Government’s Caucus and MP for West Honiara Hon Namson Tran.
A series of meetings is due to be held this week, possibly as early as today (Monday) to thrash out political differences as well as to map out reconciliation ceremonies to patch up the differences from last year’s failed attempt to change the government.
Leadership will be the key issue, which will determine the outcome.
One possible consideration is to get former Prime Minister Sogavare and Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo to bury the hatchets and agree on who to lead a new coalition government.
“The other group to consider is the Opposition Leader, Hon Matthew Wale MP and the Leader of the Independent Group, Hon Peter Kenilorea jnr of the United Party.
“As long as both men hang on to their leadership positions, there will be no change,” one local businessman told Solomon Star on Sunday.
The most logical arrangement is to get Hon Darcy Lilo into leadership and we’ll be on our way,” the man said.
“As for incumbent Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, there are rumblings within GNUT in terms of Solomon Islands support for the People’s Republic of China. Many see him as leaning more to Western countries than appreciating what China has been able to do with the last five short years,” they said.
Observers pointed out that Hon Sogavare’s return to the leadership role would strengthen the growing relationship between Honiara and Beijing. “He is the only leader who can stand up to the bullies,” they said.
“We should capture this moment and move on,” One observer said.
Meanwhile, the official Opposition said yesterday they had heard pretty much the same story.
“It’s their thing. We are observing the development closely but we are not jumping in. We had our fingers burned the last time. We are not going there again.”
Parliament is expected to meet this Thursday, 24th April.
By Alfred Sasako
