Daniel Suidani is a Solomon Islands politician who served as the Premier of Malaita Province from June 2019 until his ouster in a no confidence vote in February 2023.[3]
Daniel Suidani | |
|---|---|
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| Premier of Malaita Province | |
| In office June 2019 – 7 February 2023 | |
| Governors‑General | Frank Kabui David Vunagi |
| Preceded by | ? |
| Succeeded by | Martin Fini[1] |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Malaita Province, Solomon Islands |
| Political party | Umi for Change Party[2] |
Tenure
During Suidani's tenure as Premier of Malaita Province, the Solomon Islands government officially switched diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People's Republic of China. Suidani was highly critical of this decision, alleging that the Chinese government offered bribes to him in exchange for political allegiance.[4] Suidani has in turn been accused of accepting bribes from the Taiwanese government.[5]
In 2020, Suidani held an independence referendum for Malaita Province, which was dismissed as illegitimate by the central government.[6]
In October 2021, a motion of no confidence was filed against Suidani, but was withdrawn after protests erupted in support of him.[7] He condemned international interference in the November 2021 Solomon Islands unrest.[8] On 7 February 2023, he was removed from office after a vote of no confidence from the provincial legislature.[9]
In 2022, Suidani founded the Umi for Change Party.[10]
In a letter dated March 20, 2023, the Solomon Islands government declared Suidani "unfit for office" due to his stand against China.[11] National Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Rollen Seleso disqualified Suidani from holding his seat in the Malaita Provincial Assembly and the Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, Ronnie Butafa, was advised by the government to declare Suidani's seat - Ward 5 of Baegu-West Fataleka - officially vacant.[11] Suidani and his supported accused Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of being behind his ouster vowed the appeal his ban from office.[11]