Solomon’s PAP admits it is has strong negotiating position after withdrawing from opposition

The Parliamentary wing leader of the People’s Alliance Party in Solomon Islands admits his party has a strong negotiating position after having withdrawn its support from the opposition.

Clement Kengava says the party’s national executive will decide next month if the four PAP MPs will join the governing coalition, led by Manasseh Sogavare, taking the government one step closer to a two thirds majority in the house.

The government would then have the power to change the constitution.

Mr Kengava denies he has been offered any sweeteners in the form of ministerial portfolios despite the opposition leader, Fred Fono’s claims that the government is trying to bribe opposition MPs to join its coalition.

Mr Fono says he has been offered various positions including Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Kengava says he is currently considering a parliamentary position and, if his party decides to join the Sogavare government, he would consider a ministerial portfolio.

“Right now I am not thinking of taking up any ministerial portfolio not unless PAP becomes a coalition partner with the ruling government.”

Source: RNZI