7 Feb 2005

Solomons political veteran says no confidence vote to force a change in government policy

6:00 pm on 7 February 2005

A former Solomon Islands Prime Minister wants a vote of no confidence in the administration of Sir Allen Kemakeza to try and force a change in direction in government policy.

Bartholomew Ulufa'alu says he expects the vote to go ahead on Wednesday.

Mr Ulufa'alu says he thinks support is fifty/fifty, but rather than toppling the government, he is more interested in effecting a change in policy.

Parliament is this week to consider the Government's so called "Roadmap" for economic recovery, but Mr Ulufa'alu says it will take the country down the same failed road it has been down for the past 26 years.

"so we need to reform that recovery so as to make it pursue a new roadmap that will allow ownership by Solomon Islanders to be optimised and promote a more genuine partnership in the development process."