– ‘Leadership to be determined on Parliament floor’
– Parliament not yet called as MoNC notice matures today
[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has assured Solomon Islanders that the nation is not in a constitutional crisis, despite growing political speculation and the maturing Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) notice in Parliament.
Speaking at a media conference on Sunday, Mr Manele said: “What we are witnessing is not a constitutional crisis. It is a normal democratic process.”
The MoNC matures today, but the Prime Minister did not specify when Parliament will be convened.
He told media during a press conference earlier this month that a sitting may be called in May or June 2026, depending on government business.
The current GNUT Government is operating as a minority, following the resignation of 12 cabinet ministers last week, leaving the government with only 22 MPs.
The coalition has submitted a MoNC, and recent resignations of Parliamentary Standing Committee chairpersons have added to the political standoff.
Mr Manele emphasised the Constitution as the supreme law of the land:
“The confidence of Parliament in a Prime Minister is tested and determined only through a motion of no confidence on the floor of Parliament. Until then, the sitting Prime Minister remains legally in office.”
On speculation about a new political majority, he said: “A photograph is only a snapshot in time. A vote in Parliament is the constitutional determination.”
He also clarified that Parliamentary Standing Committees operate independently of the Executive.
“These Committees report to Parliament, not to the Prime Minister or the Government,” Mr Manele said, reiterating the doctrine of separation of powers.
He thanked former committee chairpersons for their service and said the Speaker is taking steps to reconstitute committees so Parliament can continue its oversight role effectively.
“Until Parliament meets and decides, the Government remains in office and continues to serve the people,” the Prime Minister said, reassuring citizens that government operations remain stable and fully functional.
The Prime Minister further reassured the public that all constitutional processes, including those involving the Governor-General, will be followed in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, Mr Manele clarified issues surrounding Parliamentary Standing Committees following recent mass resignations of chairpersons.
He said the committees are part of Parliament and operate independently from the Executive.
“Parliamentary Standing Committees are part of Parliament. They are not part of the Executive,” he said.
“These Committees report to Parliament, not to the Prime Minister or the Government.”
He added that under the doctrine of separation of powers, the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary each operate within their respective constitutional roles.
“The Executive is accountable to Parliament, not the other way around,” he said.
He said the Speaker is taking steps to ensure committees are properly reconstituted so Parliament can continue its oversight role effectively.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Parliament will be convened in line with constitutional requirements and due process will take its course.
He said Parliament will be convened at an appropriate time in accordance with the Constitution.
Mr Manele also assured that his government remains fully functional and continues to deliver services across the country.
“Until Parliament meets and decides, the Government remains in office and continues to serve the people,” he said.
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