FOUR CANDIDATES will contest the election for the Temotu Province Premier’s post.

Speaker of the Temotu Provincial Assembly confirmed the four candidates, which includes former Premier, Fr Charles Brown Beu, at the close of nomination 2pm yesterday afternoon.

The candidates are Fr Brown Beu, Hon Ezekiel Tamoa, MPA for Vanikoro Ward 15 and current provincial minister for natural resources, Hon Nelson Omar Menale MPA for Nevenema Ward 7 and the MPA for Nangu Ward 7, who is also the current Deputy Premier.

The Premier’s election will be held on Thursday 1 October, 2015, at 10am.

Provincial Speaker, Johnson Levela told this paper yesterday that the Oath of Office and formation of a new government will take on Friday 2 October, 2015, a day after the Premier’s election.

“I have decided to delay the Oath of Office for the Premier until Friday to allow the incumbent Executive to present the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2015/2016 and have it passed in the Assembly before a new government is formed,” Mr Leveal said.

The election was required after Premier Baddley Tau resigned from his post.

Mr Tau handed in his resignation letter last Sunday.

Mr Tau was subject to allegations for his involvement with a logging operation in Temotu Province prior to his resignation.