14 Nov 2011

Solomons police to increase security ahead of prime ministerial vote

4:24 pm on 14 November 2011

Solomon Islands acting police commissioner, Walter Kola, says security will be increased in the capital, Honiara, ahead of this Wednesday's vote in parliament for prime minister.

There are six candidates for the position vacated by Danny Philip last Friday.

But our correspondent says it's difficult to predict who might win because of the fragmented nature of the current parliament.

Dorothy Wickham says it's very fluid.

She says John Moffat Fugui is a choice who could restore the coalition that had been backing Mr Philip, but which split over of concerns at the distribution of power.

The other candidates are Samuel Manetoali, Gordon Darcy Lilo, the opposition's Milner Tozaka and Douglas Ete, and a former prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare.

Police commissioner Kola says security will be increased to ensure MPs will vote without fear.

He says there will be restrictions put around the National Parliament on Wednesday.