SOLOMON IS: Dr Derek Sikua elected PM
Updated
In Solomon Islands there's a new government with today's election of Opposition candidate Derek Sikua as Prime Minister. The North East Guadalcanal M-P defeated the outgoing government's candidate, Patteson Oti, 32 votes to 15.
Presenter: Sam Seke
Speakers: Doctor Derek Sikua, newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister
SEKE: Seven members of the outgoing Sogavare government switched sides in the past week since the ousting of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
The vote by the 47 members of parliament was then 25 - 22 in favour of the no-confidence motion moved by Doctor Derek Sikua.
Prime Minister Sikua was sworn-in a short time ago at Government House by Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena.
He was the Education Minister in the outgoing Sogavare government and one of the 8 ministers who defected to join the opposition 5 weeks ago.
Dr Sikua, aged 48, is a first-time Member of Parliament who was voted into Parliament in April last year.
He has held senior positions in the public service before entering politics, the last of which was Permanent Secretary for Education.
Among his accademic qualifications, Dr Sikua holds a PHD in the field of education from the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
There was jubilation from the crowd around parliament house when his election was announced by Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena.
WAENA: My good people of Solomon Islands I have the greatest pleasure to be able to present to you the new prime minister of Solomon Islands, Dr Derek Sikua MP. (cheering)
SEKE: Prime Minister Sikua attributed his victory to the strength of democracy in Solomon Islands.
And he said the recent political crisis had demonstrated the strength of the democratic institutions in the country.
SIKUA: Out of difficult times often come virtue, light and growth. The recent political crisis has demonstrated the strength of our fundamental democratic institutions to ensure a just and democratic outcome. These institutions demand our highest respect and our deliberate efforts to jealousy guard their integrity. I recognise that the institutions can only work as effectively as the people who have been entrusted with their mandates. Your excellency you have demonstrated firm leadership to ensure an outcome that is both legitimate and responsible. Parliament and the judiciary have also played their roles effectively in protecting the constitution and ensuring not only that a legitimate outcome is achieved but that it is achieved within the law.
