BY NED GAGAHE
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has confirmed receiving only four formal resignations from Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding their political party affiliations.
Acting Registrar of Political Parties, Gilson Galo, told The Island Sun yesterday that as of 1st May 2025, the Office has received formal documentation from only four MPs who have officially resigned from their political parties.
The four MPs are:
James Bonuga – MP for Temotu Pele
Lazarus Rina – MP for East Central Guadalcanal
Stephen Kumi – MP for Temotu Nende
Moris Toiraena – MP for East Honiara
Mr Galo explained that James Bonuga, Lazarus Rina, and Stephen Kumi are original members of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), who had previously joined the OUR Party but have now returned to SIDP.
For Moris Toiraena, the East Honiara MP, Galo clarified that he was originally a member of the United Party before switching to the OUR Party. He has now resigned from OUR and joined SIDP.
“We wish to clarify that, as of 1st May 2025, the Office has only received formal documentation of resignation from these four Members of Parliament,” Galo said.
The Office of the Registrar also emphasized that the current political movements of MPs are occurring outside the legal framework established by the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA) 2014.
“These actions will only be considered legal once formal documentation is filed and registered with the Office of the Registrar,” he stated.
The Office reminded all political parties that there are prescribed processes and procedures under the PPIA that must be followed for any changes in political affiliation, especially within existing coalitions or between political parties.
“It is essential to respect the integrity of political parties and to uphold the rule of law at all times,” Galo said.
He further noted that all political parties are duty-bound to follow the proper legal procedures to maintain the integrity of the political party system. The required forms and guidance for changes in coalition or party membership are available at the Registrar’s Office.
He said until such formal notices are received, the Office continues to regard all parties and members as bound by their current registrations and coalition agreements.
The Office also clarified that while the PPIA does not restrict MPs from joining other parties, they must first formally resign from their current party before doing so.
“If a political party intends to withdraw from, revoke, or rescind a coalition agreement, it must give at least 30 days’ notice to the other parties involved. However, this notice requirement does not apply if the party decides to withdraw by majority decision or if all coalition partners agree to terminate the agreement.” Galo said.
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