Solomon Islands Caretaker PM unseated in major election upset
He was unseated by new comer Jimson Fiau Tanangada in what is by far the biggest upset in the 2014 national elections.
Returning Officer Patrick Toiraina announced the results for the Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency just after 11pm last night in Gizo after a marathon ballot count.
Mr Toiraina could not disclose the winning margin, saying this will have to be relayed to the Governor General first.
However, the Solomon Star understands Mr Tanangada, a member of the United Democratic Party), polled more than 2,000 votes, with a winning margin of over 200 ballots.
Mr Lilo, who was overly optimistic of winning a fourth term in parliament before hitting the campaign trail, was not around in Gizo when the results were announced last night.
But it’s understood he was informed by his supporters.
Mr Tanangada, a secondary school teacher who holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Papua New Guinea, strongly advocated for “change” during his campaign.
His final campaign on the eve of polling day at Gizo was believed to have swayed a lot of undecided voters to his side.
He was not around at Gizo when the results were pronounced last night.
Mr Lilo has been the MP for Gizo/Kolombangara since 2001. He had served three terms in parliament, including three years as prime minister in the last House.
The final bill he brought to the last parliament, before it dissolved was the Prime Minister’s (Pensions and Benefits) Bill 2014.
The bill stipulates that a former Prime Minister who has held the Office of the Prime Minister on or after the 7th of July 1978 will be paid a pension at an annual rate of 60% of the current salary payable to the incumbent.
Solomon Star
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