Makira MPs in the 9th Parliament.

So we have all known who our new MPs are. Only one serving MP has returned. He is James Tora for Ulawa - Ugi constituency. With the retirement of long-serving politician, David Sitai, all the other constituencies have changed leadership.

West Makira voters have given their confidence on Dick Ha'amori who polled 871 votes, a slim 18.6 percent of all the votes casted. Dick Ha'amori is a former SICHE Director with respectable experience working as a lecturer and political appointee in the former Sogavare-led GCC government. Unfortunatly he was 'axed' as Director of SICHE just before he went to campaign for the elections. He claimed that his sacking was 'foul play' fueld by political motives but the SICHE Board released a statement saying it was due to non-performance.

I have been reminded that Dick has not completed his MA at the University of the South Pacific but graduated with a BA from the University of Papua New Guinea.

Dick Ha'amori is the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development in the current Philip-led coalition government. He was elected into Parliament under the banner of Direct Development Pary (DDP).

In Central Makira, Hypolite Taremae was voted in as their new MP. From what I have heard he is a rural farmer with vast experience in rural work and community development. In the general elections he polled 1360 votes, which is 33.9 percent of all the votes casted, ahead of the former MP, Bernard Ghiro. 

As an independent he is currently alligned to Independent Democratic Party (IDP) formerly the Association of Independent Members of Parliament. 

Hon. Hypolite Taremae is the curernt Minister for National Unity Reconciliation and Peace.

In Ulawa - Ugi, serving MP James Tora has been revoted back into Parliament. He polled 641 votes , which is about 26.1 percent of all the votes casted.

Hon. James Tora campaigned the elections and won under the banner of Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), the party that is at the heart of the current Opposition.

In a recent twist of events, James Tora has switched sides to join the Philip-led government and has become the new Minister for Police and Justice and National Security.

In East Makira, the new MP is Alfred Ghiro. He had won by 1480 votes, about 22.9 percent of all the votes casted. Alfred Ghiro is the older brother of former Central Makira MP Bernard Ghiro and has served for some years in the Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly.

Hon. Alfred is a member of SIDP and therefore is currently with the Opposition group led by Hon. Steve Abana.

KAKAMORA woud like to wish our new parliamentarians the best of luck in their political endeavours and would like to remind them that their being there in Parliament is a mandate by the people of Makira Ulawa Province for them to represent them and to speak out on their behalf on matters of common interest. On that regard, our leaders should at all times be mindful of the wishes and aspirations of the people and not to be influenced by corruptive and dubious agents and characters in the exercise of their roles and functions as national, provincial and constituency leaders.

Be reminded that your actions and decisions will be closely watched by us all!