Umi for Change Party
The Umi for Change Party (U4C) is a political party in the Solomon Islands. The party was founded in 2022 by Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani.[1]
History[edit]
Suidani, a vocal critic of the Sogavare government's switch of diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China and its expansion of ties with the latter, was ousted as premier in 2023 after losing a no-confidence vote, allegedly due to his opposition to the switch.[2] Suidani explained that U4C is a successor to the Malaita Alliance for Rural Advancement government, which he led as premier of Malaita.[3][4] The Political Parties Commission approved U4C's registration on 9 January 2024; the party subsequently launched a manifesto.[5] One of U4C's key policies included revoking the absolute legal immunity that public officials enjoy. Suidani said this policy was necessary, citing numerous officials allegedly "hiding behind the law" and "making reckless decisions on behalf of the state." The party also pledged to address gender inequality and focus on youth-related issues;[3][6] U4C aimed to establish an education program on employment to decrease youth unemployment.[7] In the election, 2024 Solomon Islands general election, the party won over 10,000 votes and 3% of the national vote share, with one candidate elected to Parliament; Suilea Waneoroa in North Malaita.[8]
Leaders[edit]
The party has the following leadership:[9]
- Party Vice President: Wendy Vahoe
- Secretary: Celsius Talifilu
Policies[edit]
The party supports private sector.[10] They pledge the removing of public officers immunity.[11]
References[edit]
- ^ Waikori, Samie (10 October 2022). "Premier Suidani forms new political party". The Island Sun. Auki. Archived from the original on 2 June 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ Brennan, Dechlan (23 February 2023). "Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani Ousted in Solomon Islands". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ a b Palmer, Ednal (30 January 2024). "U4C Launches Election Manifesto, Promotes MARA's Restorative Policy". In-depth Solomons. Auki. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ Lofana, Solomon (22 August 2022). "Suidani: Malaita to complete 18 PCDF projects". Solomon Star. Auki. Archived from the original on 3 December 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ "Political Parties Launch Campaigns for Solomon Islands' General Elections | Atlas News". 2024-02-17. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Lofana, Solomon (3 February 2024). "Suidani's Party stand to remove public officers immunity". Solomon Star. Auki. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ Lofana, Solomon (12 February 2024). "U4C aims to build on existing inclusive education policy to be more embracing". Solomon Star. Auki. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ "North Malaita voters usher in new MP; West Kwara'ae re-elects Tuasulia". In-depth Solomons. 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Toito'ona, Ronald (2024-01-30). "U4C Launches Election Manifesto, Promotes MARA's Restorative Policy". In-depth Solomons. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "U4C to encourage growth of private sector". Solomon Star News. 2024-01-31. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "Suidani's Party stand to remove public officers immunity". Solomon Star News. 2024-02-03. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
