Solomon Islands Opposition MP Peter Kenilorea says the government is now operating without majority support, warning the country is in a “constitutional impasse” that must be resolved in Parliament.
In a statement on the current political situation, Kenilorea said Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele had originally secured strong backing.
“On 2nd May 2024, Jeremiah Manele was voted in as Solomon Islands’ PM by the 13th Parliament in accordance to schedule 2 of the National Constitution of Solomon Islands. 31 MPs voted for him. He got more than ‘absolute majority’ of the vote.”
He said that support has since shifted.
“Last month, some 19 MPs from GNUT withdrew their support from the coalition. The net result is that GNUT now has 22. While the new coalition has 28.”
Kenilorea said the Prime Minister Manele no longer commands the numbers.
“The PM has effectively lost the support he once commanded. Parliament just needs to confirm that he has indeed lost the support he had commanded in May of 2024.”
He stressed that the test must happen in Parliament however, he accused the government of delaying the process.
“We all know the real place to test these numbers is on the floor of parliament. The motion of no confidence against the PM was filed and has now matured and is ripe and ready to be tabled, debated and voted on.”
“But it is clear to me that GNUT is utilising delaying tactics to buy themselves some time to lure MPs from the group of new coalition of 28 back to GNUT.”
Kenilorea alleged attempts to win back support.
“Despite offers being made for ministerial portfolios and promises of cash made, even in writing, to MPs in the group of 28, the group remains solid.”
“Despite false rumours swirling that a number of MPs in the 28 were awaiting to be sworn in with GNUT with instruments already prepared by the PMO for their signature GNUT still remains at 22.”
Kenilorea said pressure tactics have also been used but claimed they have failed.
“Even as the use of provincial politics to pressure us, national leaders, to join GNUT continues, the resolve of the 28 remains unshaken. ‘This is Solomon politics’, some might say.”
He warned the situation has wider constitutional implications.
“But here is the crux of the issue we face as a nation. We are now in a constitutional impasse with GNUT now governing by minority, an affront to the representative government system that is enshrined in the constitution of Solomon Islands.”
Kenilorea also questioned the functioning of Parliament and called for majority rule to be restored.
“Further, we have a Parliament that is now defunct.”
“Let us allow majority rule to once again be reinstated by parliament. Majority rule is the foundation of our governance system.”
He warned of risks to legitimacy if the issue is not resolved.
“Otherwise, questions of legitimacy start to arise, questions surrounding mandate come to the fore.”
Kenilorea said the delay has stretched for weeks despite the numbers holding.
“It has now been five weeks, and yet the new coalition to which I belong remain 28 strong.”
Kenilorea said efforts are underway through different arms of government but insisted Parliament must decide.
“We, the 28, continue to stand for the reinstatement of majority rule.”
“But ultimately, we, and we hope most of Solomon Islands, know that it’s on the floor of parliament that the real test can be carried out,” he said.
