Following the mass resignation led by Finance Minister Manasseh Sogavare and several senior ministers on Monday, a new political alignment appears to be taking shape in the Solomon Islands Parliament.
A photo taken outside Parliament on Tuesday morning shows 25 Members of Parliament (MPs) aligned with the emerging group—enough to form a majority in the 49-seat legislature. With the passing of West Guadalcanal MP Moses Garu, only 49 MPs currently hold seats, meaning the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is left with just 24.
A by-election to fill the vacant seat is scheduled for June.
Since Monday’s resignations, discussions have intensified between the former ministers and the Opposition.
The photograph suggests a formal alliance is forming between Sogavare, the Opposition Group led by Matthew Wale, and the Independent Group headed by Peter Kenilorea Jr.
Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo, who filed the motion of no confidence, is also part of this coalition. The group includes three former Prime Ministers and two former deputy Prime Ministers—emphasing its political weight.
Meanwhile, Parliament has been adjourned to next Tuesday 6th May to debate the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Parliament had a brief session today where the notice of motion was read by the Clerk.
Speaker of Parliament Sir Patterson Oti informed Parliament that because the motion is a matter of public emergency, a special motion of adjournment must be moved.
“I’m convinced this notice is of public urgency, required under standing 61 and therefore I have given my permission to move a motion of adjournment.”
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele then stood up and announced the special adjournment from Tuesday 29th April to from to Tuesday 6th May.
“I moved that at this adjournment on Tuesday 29th April parliament shall adjourn to Tuesday 6th May.”
He acknowledged that the current political turmoil is the reason for this adjournment.
“Sir, the reason for this special adjournment as you will know is due to the current political situation.
“Its important to give with this matter a priority,” the Prime Minister said.
The Opposition Leader Matthew Wale thanked the Prime Minister for adjourning Parliament.
“I wish to thank the Prime Minister for moving the motion because this matter is public urgency,” he said.
Wale said, the matter must be dealt with and determine so that a new government can be formed and parliament transact some of its businesses,” he said.
Manele was elected as Prime Minister on May 2nd 2024 and by Friday, it will be his one year in office.
In Parliament this morning, Tuesday 29th April Manesseh Sogavare and his group are with the Opposition and Independent Group.
