BY NED GAGAHE
Member of Parliament for Baegu Asifola Makario Tagini, calls for constitutional reforms to address political impasses and leadership disputes in the country.
Speaking during debate on the motion moved by South Vella La Vella MP Frederick Kologeto on Thursday in Parliament, Mr Tagini acknowledged that every Member of Parliament has the constitutional right to move motions for debate in Parliament.
He thanked Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and cabinet ministers for remaining committed during the political uncertainty that had lasted for more than 50 days.
Mr Tagini also commended public servants for ensuring government services continued throughout the impasse, particularly in his capacity as supervising minister for the Ministry of Public Service.
Addressing the issue, Mr Tagini said the prolonged court process expose gaps within the country’s legal framework relating to political defections and motions against the Prime Minister.
“The law is ambiguous,” he said, adding that different parties involved — including the Prime Minister, Governor-General and MPs on the opposing side — all held differing interpretations of the Constitution, resulting in the matter being taken to court.
He said the courts eventually directed Parliament to convene, describing it as the correct legal process.
However, Mr Tagini said that the Constitution must now be amended to clearly outline procedures when there is a shift in parliamentary majority.
He proposed that the law should specify procedures whenever defections or changes in majority occur, saying the absence of such provisions contributed to delays and uncertainty during the recent political crisis.
Mr Tagini said Parliament has a responsibility to close the gaps in the law to prevent future instability caused by political movements between government and opposition bench.
He further argued that the Constitution should also require movers of motions to clearly state the grounds for their motions.
According to him, this will allow the Prime Minister adequate opportunity to prepare defence and ensure principles of fairness are upheld.
“We are locked up here because we don’t know what to debate,” Mr Tagini said while urging Parliament to focus on reforms rather than political confrontation.
He maintained that there were no valid grounds presented against the current Prime Minister and reiterated that legal reforms were the best way forward to avoid similar impasses in the future.
Photo: Supplied
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