BY LIONEL TAORAO
FORMER Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Mr. Stephen Maesiola, who is among the nine candidates vying for the Ulawa Ugi Constituency seat in the Makira Ulawa Province, has formally launched his campaign on Ugi Island.
According to a source who requested anonymity from Ugi, one of the highlights of the occasion is the traditional enthronement of Mr. Maesiola by his supporters.
“Supporters of Stephen Maesiola around Ugi and some of his campaign managers on Ulawa Island came to witness the official launch here on Ugi Island on Sunday at Hakanipua village,” he confirms.
“One of the main highlights of the occasion is the traditional enthronement of the candidate by his supporters with shell money draped around his neck, who was enthroned with the traditional speech of enthroning a chief in Ulawa and Ugi culture,” the source says.
Mr. Stephen Maesiola will be contesting under the Solomon Islands People’s First Party and is now touring Ugi Island, conducting his campaign program in communities around the island.
Preparations for his launch on Ulawa Island are also underway and will take place at Mwajoa village.