I would like to thank all stakeholders for the opportunity with which I have been honoured to provide the foreword to the first edition of the publication Political Parties and Groupings of Solomon Islands.
Although political party development dates back to 1965, it has not evolved beyond the stage of aspiring politicians drawn together on the eve of national elections. & They appear to fissile out, just as quickly as they mushroomed, after the conclusion of elections. & Sustained political party administration in between elections has been minimal, if at all.
Party members who were successfully elected continue to associate only for reasons of likely appointment to ministerial positions and certain statutory organisations or various parliamentary standing committees.
Recently, party members who have been unsuccessful in national elections continue to have some influence on the government of the day at government caucus level.
Be that as it may, there is still clear absence of political parties’ appreciation at large. & Consequently, sustained and organised political parties administrations on permanent basis have yet to take root in the country. & Hence, the lack of information on political parties today. & This deficiency is expected to be duly redressed in future by periodical updates of this publication.
In late 2009 and early 2010 the attempt by the government to institutionalise the establishment and administration of political parties by an Act of Parliament was unsuccessful. & Had this been successful, proper political party development, administration and discipline would have attracted certain government funding. & Thus enhancing desirable political and governmental stability and minimising corrupt practices by political opportunists who may only be bent on blackmailing the executive government for their own materialistic aggrandisement.
There has always been deliberate attempts by political leaders to ensure that political parties do not necessarily become institutions of further divisions in a country that is already struggling with nation building due to its many and varied diversities.
Equitable national representation continue to underpin political parties and groupings but feelings of common island of origin, religious belief, educational camaraderie or personable charisma are natural diehards in influencing closer associations of politicians.
I look forward to the day when political parties will be understood, appreciated and accepted by the people of this highly diverse island nation state. To a point where ones loyalty, commitment and ability to ones political party is attributed to ones belief in its political ideology, principles and philosophy. May such a day come soon rather than later.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Peter Kenilorea, KBE, PC,&
Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands&
Solomon Islands’ First Prime Minister&
