BY NED GAGAHE
Three Members of Parliament, one in the Independent and two from the Opposition group have defected their parties to join the government ranks this month, a rumor now confirmed by Acting Registrar Political Parties Commission Acting Registrar Gilson Galo yesterday.
The three MPs are; West Kwaio – Claudius Tei’ifi, East-Central Guadalcanal – Lazarus Alfred Rina and Temotu Pele MP – James Bonunga.
In an interview with the Island Sun yesterday Acting Registrar Galo confirmed that the trio resigned from their political parties and registered to the Our Party.
Temotu Pele MP Bonunga and East-Central Guadalcanal MP Rina were both originally from Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP).
The West Kwaio MP switched from the independent group to the government.
“I can confirm that they have resigned from their political parties and now registered at Our party just this month (26th January).
“This is confirmed according to our registry.” Acting Registrar Galo said.
Mr Galo also confirmed to Island Sun that the Our Party has endorsed accepted the membership of the three MPs.
The Island Sun was reliably informed that trio moved to the government this week.
The reason for their move remains unclear.
Attempts to get comments from the MPs yesterday was unsuccessful.
However, for Tei’ifi it was reported in a Facebook Forum that his move to join the government group is based on his goals for the betterment for his constituency.
According to report Tei’ifi said since he was elected in the parliament in 2022, he hasn’t joined the government and has found it hard to tap any project for his constituency.
He said one of the other main purposes of his switch is the Bina Harbour Project.
He said as an international project it offers valuable job opportunities to his people and, the project is situated in his constituency.
In addition to the employment prospects,Tei’ifi noted that the project offers a significant opportunity for collaboration with government ministries, allowing his constituency to secure more development projects.
He also pointed out his desire to gain more knowledge and experience from engaging with the government side, underscoring his commitment to his people and their future development.
“Lastly, I want to gain more knowledge and experience government side. Thank you very much for your understanding,” Tei’ifi said.
MP Claudius Tei’ifi was elected back in the parliament in the national general election last year under the United Party.
Before that he was first elected in the parliament in 2022 in the bye-election.
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