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Two Solomons candidates announced

From correspondents in Honiara  

April 29, 2006

This article from : AAP

TWO candidates have been announced for the Solomon Islands prime ministership following the resignation of Prime Minister Snyder Rini last week in the wake of riots, looting and arson in the capital, Honiara.

Former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, who led defectors from Mr Rini's camp forcing his resignation on Wednesday, was announced as a candidate by Governor-General Nathanial Waena tonight after close of nominations.

Former National Planning Minister Fred Fono, who was in Rini's short-lived government lineup, is the second candidate.

The vote is scheduled for Thursday.

The announcement of Mr Rini as prime minister on April 18 sparked anger from a crowd gathered at Parliament.

In the ensuing riot, two Australian Federal Police officers were injured.

Riots, looting and arson spread across the city for two days leading to the razing of most of Chinatown and other Chinese-owned businesses before an influx of troops and police from Australia restored order.

Mr Rini, widely perceived to be in the pockets of Chinese businessmen, was forced to resign on Wednesday after five of his coalition government members crossed the floor to join the Opposition.

Mr Sogavare had strong connections with the militant group the Malaita Eagle Force during the recent years of tensions and is in the Social Credit Party which has advocated the abolition of commercial banks.

Last week he indicated he was open to dropping the Solomons' diplomatic recognition of Taiwan in favour of mainland China.

A former public servant, Mr Fono is considered a solid, nationally-minded candidate who would work well with the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

He is one of the few parliamentarians who fills out his acquittal forms for spending as an MP.

The hectic events surrounding the choice of prime minister has heightened controversy over the alleged use by politicians of Taiwanese aid money and funding from some influential members of the Chinese community to influence members in their vote for the PM.

Australia and New Zealand have condemned any form of "chequebook diplomacy" that might be working behind the scenes in the Solomons.

China's Foreign Ministry has also blasted Taiwan for promoting "dollar diplomacy", saying it boosts corruption and instability in Pacific countries.

China and Taiwan are competing for sole diplomatic recognition from Pacific countries.

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