2010 election – Makira

There are 59 candidates contesting the four Makira seats, a big increase on the 47 contestants in 2006. The biggest increase is in East Makira (14, up from 9 in 2006), which has been vacated by retiring MP, David Sitai. The number of contestants has also increased in both Central Makira (16, up from 12) and Ulawa/Ugi (14, up from 11). West Makira was the most heavily contested in 2006 and it remains heavily contested in 2010 – once again, 15 candidates will be fighting it out.

The tables below provide some statistics on the Makira seats in recent elections. Below that is a list of the candidates in each constituency (source: Electoral Commission, published on the Toabaita Authority for 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, Makira province

Election	Candidates	Incumbents returned	Voters (reg’d)	Votes cast	Voter turn-out
2010	59
2006	47	3/4	20,778	14,539	70.0%
2001	26	2/4	?	13,548	?
1997	?	?	?	?	?
1993	17	3/4	11,206	6,055	54.0%

Table 2: Candidates per constituency, Makira province

Constituency	2010	2006	2001	1997	1993
Central Makira	16	12	10	?	8
East Makira	14	9	8	?	6
Ulawa/Ugi	14	11	3	?	2
West Makira	15	15	5	?	1
Total	59	47	26	?	17

Central Makira

There are 16 candidates, compared to 12 in 2006, 10 in 2001 and 8 in 1993.

1. Romano Tarohania (PCP)
2. Vkey Mansugu (possibly SIPRA)
3. Nestor Ghiro
4. Rev’d Joseph Tamatara (or Tamuatara, RDP-SI)
5. Henry Hagawusia
6. Hypolite Taremae
7. Paul Watoto
8. Jack Faga: former magistrate
9. Nesta Marahora (possibly SIPRA): current member of the Makira Ulawa provincial assembly (ward 10)
10. Fox Qwaina: former Principal, Waimapuru National High School
11. Alfred Wote
12. Fredson Fenua: came 5^th out of 12 in 2006 with 9.1% of the vote
13. Aaron Koroa
14. Bernard Ghiro (OUR party): outgoing MP (2001-10), won in 2006 with 27.3% of the vote
15. Thomas Nukuafi
16. Edmund Mehare

Ulawa/Ugi

There are 14 candidates, compared to 11 in 2006, 3 in 2001 and 2 in 1993.

1. Carl Warren Beloen: owner of dreamtime shipping & club, Australian descent
2. Ashley Rohorua
3. Nathaniel Waena (Nasnol Pati): former Governor General (2004-09), former MP (1987-2004)
4. Fox Sumaheniau
5. Augustine Waetara
6. Noel Mamau
7. Meffrey (or Miefery) Awao: came 5^th out of 11 in 2006 with 8.1% of the vote
8. Michael Ramsi Poki (OUR party)
9. Henry Marau (RDP-SI)
10. James Tora: outgoing Minister for Police and MP (2004-2010), won in 2006 with 22.4% of the vote
11. Wilfred Robertson Natei: former administration manager, Our Telekom
12. Joseph Hary Maka’a
13. Rafael Oli
14. Peter Titiulu (SIPRA)

West Makira

There are 15 candidates, compared to 15 in 2006, 5 in 2001 and 1 (Solomon Mamaloni) in 1993.

1. Golden Kiloko (RDP-SI)
2. Edmond Dangi
3. Nelson Nausi
4. Jimmy Hanson Riunga
5. Alick Dangi
6. Daniel Dautaha
7. Dick Ha’amori (leader, Direct Development Party): former Director of SICHE, came 5^th out of 15 in 2006 with 7.7% of the vote
8. James Morea
9. Jackson Sunaone (co-founder, ASIP): former MP (2000-01), brother of former Prime Minister the late Solomon Mamaloni, came 2^nd in 2006 with 19.1% of the vote
10. Peter Trena Rarahabura (SIPRA)
11. Jackson Raeri
12. John Mepuke Taaru
13. Japhet Waipora (OUR party): outgoing MP (2006-10, also previously member for Central Makira, 1997-2001), won in 2006 with 19.7% of the vote
14. Richard Taro
15. Paul Marita

East Makira

There are 14 candidates, compared to 9 in 2006, 8 in 2001 and 6 in 1993. This seat is vacant following the retirement of long-serving MP, David Sitai.

1. Warren Tereqoroa: came 6^th out of 9 in 2006 with 6.6% of the vote
2. Martin Karani: former chief electoral officer, former member (North Star Harbour ward) and Minister of the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Assembly, charged with corruption in 2005 (RNZI, 27/11/05) for granting a government contract to his own shipping company, found guilty and sentenced to eight months jail by the Honiara Magistrates Court in March 2009 (Solomon Times, 03/09),  subsequently forfeited his provincial seat
3. Henry Siake Kuata
4. Otto Mafuara Kuper: former accountant, Solomon Airlines
5. Nathaniel Peter Wakaa
6. Stevenson Piringisau: former Premier, Makira-Ulawa Province
7. Daniel Wagatora
8. Stanley Stafford Siapu (RUPP): came 8^th out of 9 in 2006 with 4.1% of the vote
9. Henry Jack Kuata Sitai (RDP-SI)
10. Thomas Bea
11. Fred Pagewa Fanua: came 3^rd in 2006 with 11.8% of the vote (and 2^nd in 2001)
12. Nicholas K Gapiara
13. Alfred Ghiro (SIDP): came 2^nd in 2006 with 23.1% of the vote
14. John Mamate (or Mamafe, OUR party)

Tags: 2010 Solomon Islands elections, Solomon Islands