BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A political rift has emerged within the government of Premier Billy Veo, raising questions over whether the current tensions could lead to a motion when the provincial assembly meets in March.
Reports reaching Island Sun indicate a tug-of-war between rival camps as both sides work to secure numbers ahead of the sitting.
A source within the provincial administration said executive members are actively engaging with non-executive members in a bid to replace two executive members who had walked away from the ruling side.
“Currently some of the executive members are negotiating with some of the non-members to jump to the other side of the house,” the source said.
“It is still unclear which group has the number at the moment, so the coming days will be interesting.”
Attempts by this paper to obtain comments from the Premier on Wednesday were unsuccessful, although assurances were given that he would respond next week.
“He does not want to comment right now. Something is afoot and he does not want to pre-empt anything for now. He advised that after Saturday this week, things will be clearer,” another insider said.
Several executive members contacted have said government remains intact and will move beyond what they described as “pathetic politics” aimed at disrupting ongoing progress under Veo’s leadership.
Earlier reports said two executive members had left the government and aligned themselves with the non-executive bloc. Their identities and the reasons behind the shift in allegiance remain unclear.
This paper will continue to follow developments in Gizo and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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