Solomon Isands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has moved to de-escalate tensions surrounding the recent mass resignation of Parliamentary Standing Committee chairs, asserting that these oversight bodies are independent of the Executive branch and must continue their work regardless of the current political climate.
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow claims from opposition members that his administration, currently labeled a “minority government” by a rival 28-member coalition lacks the authority to direct parliamentary business.
Manele, however, argued that this line of reasoning fundamentally misunderstands the Solomon Islands’ constitutional framework.
Addressing a media conference in Honiara, r Manele says that under Section 62 of the Constitution, Parliament is a self-regulating entity.
He clarified that Standing Committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Bills and Legislation Committee report directly to the Speaker and the Legislature, not to the Prime Minister’s Office.
“The Constitution is clear,” PM Manele stated.
“It is based on the doctrine of separation of powers, which requires the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary to operate independently. These committees are established to help Parliament carry out its legislative and oversight roles effectively, not to take instructions from the Executive,” he added.
The Prime Minister dismissed suggestions that his government was improperly influencing committee agendas. In a subtle reversal of the opposition’s narrative, Manele pointed out that the constitutional relationship is actually one of Executive accountability.
“The constitutional position is the opposite [of what is being claimed], the Executive is accountable to Parliament,” Manele said.
“That is why Ministers and public officers appear before these committees when required. The Prime Minister has no constitutional authority to direct or instruct them.”
The walkout of committee chairpersons has threatened to stall essential legislative work, including the vetting of bills and the examination of national estimates.
Manele confirmed that Speaker of Parliament, Sir Patterson Oti, is currently taking steps to reconstitute these committees to ensure the machinery of government remains functional.
While the opposition continues to call for Manele’s immediate resignation following a wave of defections, the Prime Minister maintained that his mandate remains valid until a formal Motion of No Confidence is decided on the floor of Parliament.
“Parliament will be convened in accordance with the Constitution, and the proper process will take its course,” Manele concluded.
Meanwhile, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has launched an investigation into an attack on the residence of Marovo MP, Chachabule Amoi, after his home was reportedly stoned over the weekend.
The incident has triggered a sharp exchange between the incumbent government and the rival coalition currently vying for power.
The newly formed 28-member coalition issued a scathing statement on Sunday, strongly condemning the attack. They alleged the incident was carried out by supporters aligned with the “Government for National Unity and Transformation” (GNUT) and characterized the stoning as a “direct attack on democracy.”
“This kind of intimidation exposes a dangerous culture where political loyalty is enforced through fear and violence,” the coalition stated.
“It raises serious questions about the leadership of the current administration and its desperate attempt to hold on to power with a minority government.”
The coalition added, the people of Solomon Islands deserve leadership that unites, not incites.
In a swift response, the GNUT Government also formally condemned the violence.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele issued an urgent appeal to the public, particularly residents of Honiara, to refrain from lawlessness while the political process unfolds in the capital.
“I call on all citizens… not to take the law into their own hands and to let the rule of law prevail,” the Prime Minister said, urging the public to allow national leaders to resolve the current political impasse through constitutional means.
Minister for Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada, confirmed that the stoning is now an active police case.
He noted that investigators are currently working to identify those responsible and urged anyone with information regarding the attack to come forward.
