A flood of Chinese aid and investment has poured into the country during Sogavare's five years at the helm, and the 69-year-old has promised to further deepen these ties if he is re-elected on Wednesday.
Fearful that the money might one day come with strings attached, former Malaita premier Suidani was one of the few provincial leaders who refused to cash checks from China.
They are very, very involved in this governmentโฆ there is no doubt that they should be involved in the elections.
Suidani accused Chinese interests of working behind the scenes to help keep pro-Beijing members in parliament.
"They are very, very involved in this government," he said on a choppy phone line from Auki, the coastal provincial capital of Malaita.
โThey are involved in other things, so there is no doubt that they should be involved in the elections. Because they have been doing it for some time.โ
One of the most stimulating figures in Solomon Islands politics, Suidani has an enthusiastic fan base in Malaita.
He was abruptly ousted as Malaita provincial leader in February 2023, defeated in a no-confidence motion while he and his supporters were absent from parliament.
Suidani has accused Sogavare's government of orchestrating what he said was a clandestine maneuver to silence one of his most vocal critics.
Observers of Pacific politics believe Sogavare has demonstrated increasingly autocratic tendencies in his quest to remain in power.
"To the international community, I would like to say that we need your support," Suidani said. "We want to share the same freedom that everyone else shares."
The Solomon Islands are one of the least developed nations in the world and Sogavare firmly believes that its path to prosperity lies in Beijing.
02:17
China confirms signing of Solomon Islands security pact, while US warns of regional instability
China confirms signing of Solomon Islands security pact, while US warns of regional instability
โThe 2024 elections will be very critical for the Solomon Islands,โ Suidani said.
The capital, Honiara, was abuzz with fervent election campaigning on Monday morning, as parties brought their screaming supporters into the city in an endless procession of packed trucks.
The international fight for influence was clear: giant โRadio Australiaโ billboards hung over the only route into the city, while police cars with โAid from Chinaโ stickers drove past on potholed roads.
A boisterous rally for former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo was held in a muddy, waterlogged field on the outskirts of the city.
Solomon Islands' pro-China leader vows to continue Australia's balancing act
Solomon Islands' pro-China leader vows to continue Australia's balancing act
Professor Josep was among a crowd of hundreds of people clamoring loudly for a change of government.
โThe economy is collapsing. I want the people of Honiara to rise up and reclaim our country,โ he said, as his supporters blew their agreement with conch shells and plastic horns.
The vote will take place on April 17, although it could take weeks for the opaque coalition-building process to resolve who will be prime minister.
