The Democrats obtained thirteen seats out of fifty, making them by far the largest party in the National Parliament, but their leader Steve Abana failed to obtain the support of a parliamentary majority after the election, and thus became Leader of the Opposition to Prime Minister Danny Philip's government.
[1][2][3][4] At some point, Ghiro defected to the parliamentary majority, becoming a government backbencher, despite being a member of the main opposition party.
He subsequently defected back to the Opposition, accompanying several government ministers, on August 20, 2011.
[8] On or around 1 March 2012, Lilo reshuffled Ghiro to the position of Minister for Fisheries, whereby he exchanged portfolios with Bradley Tovosia.
[9] Ghiro lost his seat of East Maikra in the 2019 general election to Charles Maefai, an independent.