Solomon Islands Opposition MP Peter Kenilorea says the current government has lost its majority, insisting a coalition of 28 MPs is ready to take over.
Kenilorea said the political situation has been clear for the past two weeks following mass resignations from the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
“Over the last two weeks since 19 MPs left GNUT, joining the 9 of us in the Opposition and Independent Groups, (who we have all signed a coalition totaling 28 MPs of our 50 seat parliament) there has been much discussion and speculation on social media.”
He said public debate has missed the key issue.
“It’s fascinating that people are still talking about the reasons for the mass resignations, or that we only have two years left before the next election, or that GNUT is delivering so they should just continue, missing the point and the real issue that GNUT is at 22. It has been at 22 for the 14days already. GNUT is a minority government.”
Kenilorea said the numbers make it impossible for GNUT to function effectively.
“The PM has not been able to fill the 23 Ministerial portfolios over the last 2 weeks. It’s simply a math issue. 22 MPs cannot fill all cabinet ministries.”
“With the PM out of the equation, being PM, there are 21 MPs left to fill 23 spots. Among the 21 are a couple of MPs that for health reasons may not be able to effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities including to advise the GG in accordance to the constitution.”
He added that parliamentary operations are also affected.
“Further, GNUT cannot effectively fill the vacant parliamentary chairmanships and the members of the committees as well.”
Kenilorea said the Opposition bloc sees itself ready to govern.
“As I mentioned in the press briefing on behalf of the 28, we see ourselves as ‘the government in waiting’, given there is a new coalition and the PM has lost support of MPs.”
“We see ourselves as Ministers of the Crown in waiting, looking forward to developing, driving and implementing national policies that positively impact our people and nation moving forward – yes even in the next remaining 2 years.”
He called for Parliament to be convened to test the government’s majority.
“GNUT minority rule cannot continue indefinitely. Majority rule, the foundational bedrock upon which our democracy is built must be re-established. PM simply needs to call Parliament to test his numbers and support.”
Kenilorea highlighted the recent remarks by the Speaker.
“The Speaker himself used the world ‘defunct’ in the Q&A he had with the media a few days ago. This admission signals a crisis in the legislature that is not working.”
“With a minority government and a defunct parliament, we are on uncharted waters. As a nation and as leaders we just need to do the simple and humble thing. Call parliament. Test the numbers. Move on.”
He stressed the need to uphold democratic processes.
“It is in our national interest to have majority rule reinstated. As leaders let us continue to uphold the rule of law.”
Kenilorea also dismissed claims of shifting political numbers.
“There is no so-called fluidity in the numbers over the last 2 weeks, despite enticements from GNUT to the 28. GNUT, please check the political parties commission to confirm this.”
“For us the 28, texts from GNUT operators are shared, so-called private phone calls from operators are over heard on phone speakers. And as I mentioned, our resolve is strong. We are the government in waiting.”
He confirmed legal proceedings are underway but declined to comment further.
“A legal case has been filed. So I’ll avoid discussing the specifics of the case and the points we are arguing. We remain 28 strong,” he said.
