2010 election – Choiseul

There are 23 candidates contesting the three Choiseul seats, up from 17 in 2006. This is largely due to a big increase in contestants in South Choiseul (13, up from 5 in 2006). This is probably a response to the decision by outgoing MP for South Choiseul, Rev. Leslie Boseto, not to seek a fourth term in office (he has held the seat from 1997-2010).

The tables below provide some statistics on the Choiseul seats in recent elections. Below that is a list of the candidates in each constituency (source: Electoral Commission, published on the Toabaita Authority Research and Development (TARD) blog). I’ve also included any information I’ve been able to find about the candidates’ party affiliations, previous electoral performance, work experience and qualifications. (Note: I will keep updating this post until the election, so comments and corrections are particularly welcome.)

Table 1: Election statistics, Choiseul province

Election	Candidates	Incumbents returned	Voters (reg’d)	Votes cast	Voter turn-out
2010	23
2006	17	3/3	15,707	9,566	60.9%
2001	14	2/3	?	9,394	?
1997	?	?	?	?	?
1993	15	2/3	6,657	5,184	77.9%

Table 2: Candidates per constituency, Choiseul province

Constituency	2010	2006	2001	1997	1993
East Choiseul	4	5	4	?	4
North West Choiseul	6	7	6	?	7
South Choiseul	13	5	4	?	4
Total	23	17	14	?	15

East Choiseul

There are 4 candidates, compared to 5 in 2006 and 4 in 2001 and 1993.

1. Hence Vaekesa: former Director of Trade Division, Department of Commerce
2. Moses Kurebose Biliki: former Director of Environment and Conservation Division, Department of Environment, came 4^th out of 5 in 2006 with 15.0% of the vote
3. Shepard Lapo: former senior police officer, more recently he was a security officer for UNDP
4. Manasseh Sogavare (OUR party)*: outgoing MP (1997-2010), former PM (2000-01, 2006-07), won the 2006 election with 36.2% of the vote

North West Choiseul

There are 6 candidates, compared to 7 in 2006, 6 in 2001 and 7 in 1993.

1. Francis Qalokamake (OUR party): contested East Choiseul in 2006 and came 2^nd with 27.3% of the vote
2. Connelly Sadakabatu
3. Sylvia Nowak Anderson
4. Ralph Billy Takubala
5. Clement Pikabatu Kengava*: outgoing MP (2001-06), won the 2006 election with 31.8% of the vote
6. Alpha Kimata (SIDP): former MP (1993-2001) and former Finance Minister, came 4^th out of 7 in 2006 with 14.3% of the vote

South Choiseul

There are 13 candidates, compared to 5 in 2006 and 4 in 2001 and 1993. At the age of 77, the outgoing MP, Rev. Leslie Boseto, decided to retire after serving three terms in office.

1. Elijah Doro Muala (SIPRA)
2. Walter Katovai
3. Alick Sogati
4. Atkin Vilaka
5. Collish Leketo Tutua
6. Noah Zala
7. Michael Collin Pitakaka
8. Brandley Pitanoe
9. Jackson Kiloe: Premier, Choiseul Province
10. Cromwell Qopoto: geologist, former Director of Mines in the Department of Mines and Energy
11. Robertson Erere Qalokale: former Ministry of Finance official, came 3^rd in the 2006 election with 19.1% of the vote, (also see/listen to an interview with Qalokale on Radio Australia, 23/03/10)
12. Rev’d Caleb Kotali: former MP (1989-97)
13. Wilson Pita

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Tags: 2010 Solomon Islands elections, Solomon Islands