PRIME MINISTER TAKES OATH
18:19hrs 16 November 2011
Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has been sworn in.
Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has been sworn in.
Governor General Sir Frank Kabui officiated the swearing in of the new prime minister this evening, hours after it was initially scheduled.
The ceremony was delayed due to disagreements by some groups of people who demanded the prime minister step down by 4.30 this afternoon.
The group gathered outside the Government House earlier in the afternoon and demanded the Governor General to ask the new prime minister to step down.
Commenting on the events of the day during the swearing in, Governor General Sir Frank Kabui said the gathering outside the Government House premises was illegal and at the same time threatening.
The Prime Minister Mr Lilo is expected to announce his cabinet soon.
PRIME MINISTER LILO ASSURES PEOPLE
18:18hrs 16 November 2011
Newly elected Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has assured Solomon Islanders, that his government will be an open and transparent and one that wish to see good governance beyond the democratic and bureaucratic processes.
Newly elected Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has assured Solomon Islanders, that his government will be an open and transparent and one that wish to see good governance beyond the democratic and bureaucratic processes.
In his maiden speech following his election, Mr Lilo said his government will ensure men and women, children, the old, the crippled and the disadvantaged are looked after.
Mr Lilo said this morning the country's elected representatives have made their choice in electing him as the new Prime Minister.
He thanked the MPs for the confidence they entrusted him to carry on the task before them.
Mr Lilo also paid tribute to his predecessor, the member of Parliament for South New George, Rendova and Tetepare, Danny Philip, who has held the Prime Minister's post for more than 14 months, adding that the country owe him admiration for his humility and respect for democracy.
He said the election was a resounding victory for Solomon Islands young and growing democracy after a week of intense political intensity and uncertainty.
Mr Lilo said it goes to show when there is uncertainty, the Constitution and democracy will prevail above the political, social and economic impasse.
He said the people deserve a stable government to govern their affairs and continue the awesome task of delivering the services to them.
PM THANKS MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
18:15hrs 16 November 2011
The Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, expresses his gratitude and appreciation to the People of Solomon Islands who, through their respective members of Parliament, elected him as the next Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, expresses his gratitude and appreciation to the People of Solomon Islands who, through their respective members of Parliament, elected him as the next Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.
Mr Lilo said he was moved by the support given to him by M-Ps on the floor of Parliament.
He said the people of Solomon Islands, through their MPs, have spoken.
He appealed to every citizen to respect Parliament’s wish and allow the government to govern Solomon Islands on their behalf.
The Prime Minister, Mr Lilo said his priority now is to ensure the 2012 national budget is passed so that services to the rural people are not affected.
In his brief remarks to MPs at the Cabinet Conference Room today, Mr. Lilo assured Caucus that he would undertake major decision through dialogue and consultation with his Cabinet and Caucus when need be.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Lilo appeals to the Opposition Leader and his group to work with the government to address national issues and to leave aside petty politics for the good of Solomon Islands.
POLICE QUELL RIOTS
18:13hrs 16 November 2011
The presence of police in the streets of Honiara today played a big part in avoiding a protest situation getting out of hand in the capital.
The presence of police in the streets of Honiara today played a big part in avoiding a protest situation getting out of hand in the capital.
Following the election of Gizo/Kolombangara M-P Gordon Darcy Lilo as new prime minister, pockets of unhappy Honiara residents regrouped and marched towards the Prime Minister's Office and then to the Government House.
But Acting Police Commissioner Walter Kola said the crowds were disbursed by police.
Mr Kola said the number of police officers on the ground for this security operation has been increased after what happened today.
Mr Kola also confirmed that police has made a number of arrests for unlawful behaviour, few police officers have received medical attention for minor injuries from stone-throwing and that a number of police vehicles have been damaged.
There's been no reports of further destruction to properties in the capital from the street protests today.
The protestors were unhappy with the result of this morning's parliamentary elections of a new prime minister.
With two candidates withdrawing their candidacies in the race earlier, Former Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo was unanimously elected by 29 M-Ps in the first round of ballots, ahead of the other three candidates.
The Honiara Central Market remained close today and a liquor ban remains in force, and police continue their security operations overnight.
POLICE INCREASE NUMBER OF OFFICERS
18:12hrs 16 November 2011
Police have increased the number of officers in its Operation National Parliament and will be on a 24-hour alert says Acting Police Commissioner, Walter Kola.
The Police Operation increased its manpower this afternoon and changed its operational status after a large crowd of hostile people began protesting against the win of Gizo-Kolombangara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo this morning.
The crowd made up of mainly young men and boys occupied the main street at Point Cruz and marched towards the Prime Ministers Office before changing their course to the Government House at East Kola'a Ridge.
A smaller group of young men and boys had broken away from the main group of protestors at the Government House to Chinatown where they were stopped by police officers armed with riot gear, including tear gas guns.
In an interview with SIBC News this afternoon, Acting Police Commissioner Kola says Chinatown has been sealed off and police moved the faction to the West Kola'a Ridge road.
Mr Kola also confirms he has increased deployment numbers and police officers will be on a 24-hour alert.
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