BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
FOUR long serving provincial members of assembly in the Western province have announced their decision not to contest in the coming provincial elections.
Lester Saomasi (MPA for ward 24 and provincial minister for finance & treasury), Jane Tozaka (MPA for ward 10 and health minister), Michael Aquila (MPA for ward 26) and former premier Robert Pye Kuve (MPA for ward 9).
Mrs Tozaka declared her withdrawal from the political race during the assembly’s last sitting while Mr Kuve had not been in official discharge of duties due to medical reasons.
Meanwhile, four intending candidates will contest next week for Ward 9 Dovele; Mr Jenning Movobule, Western province chief tourism officer Mr Jefferson Junior Patovaki, Mr Douglas Babu and senior Western provincial government Officer Mr William Zorivo.
Ten intending candidates will contest for ward 24, North Vangunu; Mr Jerrydill Rusa, Mr Organ Kito, Ms.Vaelaty Viola Silas, Mr Samuel Sive, Mr George Mettison Whitney, Mr Bannie Ronnie, Mr John Ngini, Mr Bongi Hynick Darlingi, Mr Sakevu Shasar Victor and Mr Alrick Dyson Jimuru.
Six intending candidates will contest for ward 26 North Kolombangara; Mr Bilos Haron, Mr Ralphbel Bulehite, Mr John Masa, Mr Sutcliffe Heke George, Mr John Liloand, Mr Fred Naphtali.
Four intending candidates will contest for Ward 10; Mr Rex Sebela, Mr Lepese Paul, Mrs Loisi Ziru and Mr Alista Porebangara
The government has set June 13, 2018 as the date of provincial elections for both Choiseul and Western provinces.
