SOLOMON IS: Opposition claiming two defections
Updated
In Solomon Islands, the opposition appears to have strengthened its chances of taking over government with the likely defection of two ministers. Caretaker Health minister, Clay Forau Soalaoi and the caretaker Justice Minister, Martin Magga are today meeting with the opposition camp.
Presenter: Sam Seke
Speakers: Evan Wasuka, Honiara journalist
WASUKA: Well with two days left to the elections, it appears that Opposition have gained a couple more government ministers. Although they are not obviously announcing it. The two government ministers have been seen at opposition camp up at Honiara hotel. There's Martin Magga, who is the caretaker justice minister and there's Clay Forau, whose the caretaker health minister.
SEKE: Mr Clay Forau or Soalaoi as he is called as well. On Sunday, he made a commitment with the Opposition supporting them of course and then yesterday he revoked that commitment. Well, what's going on here?
WASUKA: Yes, well yesterday, the government sent out the statement saying he revoked it and quoted Clay saying that he was going to maintain his integrity and loyalty, and he was going to stick with the grand coalition for changed government. And today he spent the day at the Honiara hotel. He's in talks with Dr Derek Sikua, and it appears that he is negotiating what will happen when, if the Opposition Government comes into power.
SEKE: So what's your take on this? Is he joining the Opposition?
WASUKA: Well, it looks like it. It's important to note that the two members that have just that look like they have just come across, they're both from Temotu. They are both members of Temotu Province. They Martin Magga and that's Clay Forau. Well if you take these two members who appear to have crossed the floor, it will bring up the Opposition's number to about 27. That leaves the government with about 20.
But as the candidates for government said on Thursday, it's a secret ballot, so it doesn't matter what numbers are, because you won't tell who is working for who, so that's what he's banking on, Patteson Oti, the government's candidate.
SEKE: But after the elections of course, they would know who voted for who?
WASUKA: Yes, and there's that bit too.
SEKE: Yesterday, the government candidate for prime minister, Patteson Oti, challenged the Opposition candidate to a debate. How's that going?
WASUKA: Well, the Opposition today have rejected that challenge. They're saying it's basically pointless having a public debate, because they say it's the members of parliament who decide who the prime minister is and not the public. So they're saying it's not worth having a debate about the issues and they don't see much point in it.
