PM Manele loses motion of no-confidence vote, remains caretaker leader as Parliament awaits election of new Prime Minister
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has been ousted following the successful Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) in Parliament yesterday afternoon, ending the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition’s leadership after two years in office.
Speaker of Parliament Patteson Oti announced the final result on the floor of Parliament, declaring 26 votes in favour of the new coalition and 22 votes for the government, while two Members of Parliament were absent during the vote.
The two MPs are John Dean Kuku and William Marau.
Before the vote, Mr Manele defended his leadership, insisting he had done nothing wrong and maintaining there were no valid grounds for him to resign.
Following the result, Prime Minister Manele moved for Parliament to stand sine die for Parliament to resume on a date yet to be confirmed for the election of a new Prime Minister.
Speaker Oti clarified that although the motion had passed, Mr Manele remains Prime Minister in a caretaker capacity and will continue to perform normal duties until a new Prime Minister is officially elected and appointed by the Governor General.
In his remarks after the vote, Mr Manele thanked both sides of the House and congratulated the new coalition for winning the motion.
He also thanked Speaker Oti for presiding over the debate and acknowledged GNUT ministers and supporters for their loyalty and support over the past two years.
The outgoing Prime Minister further expressed appreciation to public servants for carrying out their duties during his administration.
“For the 50 of us in this House as leaders, continue to work for the betterment of this country. We have a beautiful country. It is important that both sides of the House continue to work together to deliver services to our people going forward,” Mr Manele said.
He urged leaders to place national interests above party and personal interests, noting that Solomon Islands is expected to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2027 and celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028.
“These are important milestones, and I hope the new government will continue the preparations for the country,” he said.
The country has now endured more than 50 days – seven weeks of political uncertainty leading up to the vote.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale described the outcome as proof that democracy remains strong in Solomon Islands.
“Parliament has expressed very clearly its determination on the question of confidence,” Mr Wale told local media after the sitting.
He said Parliament remains the proper institution to resolve political issues through a motion of no confidence.
He also thanked Prime Minister Manele for his leadership in leading the country in the past two years.
With nomination notices for the Prime Minister’s election expected in the coming days, Mr Wale said the new coalition is committed to forming the next government.
He said, it’s important that a new government is formed so that it can deliver to the people.
Prime Minister Manele will now remain caretaker Prime Minister while both political camps await Government House to announce the nomination period and date for the election of a new Prime Minister.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
