Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele MP has officially committed to convening Parliament and facing a looming vote of no confidence following a decisive ruling by the country’s Court of Appeal on Friday.
This marks the conclusion of a weeks-long legal deadlock that has gripped the Pacific nation.
In a statement issued after the landmark ruling, Manele confirmed he would strictly comply with the court’s orders, which mandate that Parliament must sit no later than 07 May 2026.
“The Prime Minister looks forward to the Motion of No Confidence being debated on the floor of Parliament when it sits.
“He notes that the formal grounds for the motion will be presented in Parliament in accordance with parliamentary procedures, allowing for full debate and consideration,” the statement, issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.
It added, the Prime Minister emphasises that Parliament provides the proper forum for such matters to be openly debated, so that the public is fully informed of the issues raised by both sides.
Meanwhile, PM Manele once again thanks the public for their understanding and patience during this period of political developments.
The Prime Minister also acknowledges the mover of the motion for going to court to seek legal clarification regarding the current political situation.
“The Prime Minister conveys his sincere appreciation to the people of Solomon Islands for their patience, understanding, and continued commitment to peace and calm over recent weeks during this period of political developments.
On Friday, Attorney-General John Muria Jnr’s legal challenge suffered a crushing defeat after the Court of Appeal threw out all 39 grounds of his appeal and ordered Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to convene Parliament within days.
“I am disappointed,” Muria told reporters after the ruling was delivered before a packed courtroom.
“But the court has spoken,” he added.
Muria however, warned the Court of Appeal ruling has “cemented instability”.
“Anytime someone files a motion of no confidence, that’s when a prime minister will have to call Parliament,” he said.
“In Melanesian politics, it’s something that will create further instability. It’s like stepping back in time again.
“We’ve already moved forward, but again the court has spoken.”
Muria said he would first assess the judgment before advising the prime minister on the next steps.
He said he had noted a number of inconsistencies in the ruling.
“Although the Court of Appeal says the Chief Justice should not have set a date, it went on to set a date,” Muria said.
Lawyer for the New Coalition, Gabriel Suri, said the decision was a huge relief.
“This is a complex constitutional case and we appreciate the decision of the Court of Appeal,” Suri said.
He added that since the court had given the prime minister seven days to convene Parliament, he expected him to comply with the order.
Key Rulings:
*The court dismissed the primary appeal but set aside specific parts of the earlier High Court ruling. It clarified that it cannot:
*Compel the Governor-General to act outside Section 31 of the Constitution.
*Direct the Speaker on how to conduct or prioritise parliamentary business.
*Prescribe a fixed timetable that conflicts with constitutional or procedural frameworks.
* The court declared that failing to convene Parliament is inconsistent with the Constitution and statutory requirements when:
*A motion of no confidence has been validly lodged under Section 34(2) of the Constitution.
*The required notice period has expired.
*Statutory obligations requiring parliamentary action have matured.
While the Constitution does not require Parliament to be sitting at all times, the court ruled it must not be rendered ineffective. Mechanisms for testing parliamentary confidence and ensuring statutory scrutiny must remain functional. The court found these conditions were triggered in this case.
The Prime Minister is ordered to take all lawful steps to convene the National Parliament:
*Action deadline: No later than 12:00 noon, Tuesday 05 May 2026.
* Sitting deadline: Parliament must sit on or before Thursday 07 May 2026.
“He also acknowledges and thanks the churches and all those who have offered prayers and support during this time,” the statement said.
