An intense period of political horse-trading is underway in Solomon Islands after no political party won enough seats in last week's election to form government on its own.
Incumbent prime minister Manasseh Sogavare 's party gained the most seats, but there are many challengers for the top jobAn intense negotiation period to form a government and prime minister takes place, which one expert says is "corrupt"
In this latest stint, Mr Sogavare attracted international attention by drawing Solomon Islands closer to Beijing since switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan. His decision to sign a security pact with China in 2022, as well as opening the door to Chinese police to conduct training in the country, sent shock waves through Canberra.
Yet, it is the 10 independent MPs elected from last week's poll that look set to becoming kingmakers in the formation of any government.— the single representative of the Party for Rural Advancement — won his seat in a landslide, and political watchers say he could become a contender.Speaking to the ABC, Mr Darcy Lilo criticised Mr Sogavare's leadership during the past five years. He said nothing had changed for the better in Solomon Islands.
Yet, from today, the stakes are raised as successful MPs and their political parties horse-trade behind closed doors in hotel rooms and restaurants across the capital to try and form government and lock in a prime minister.
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