BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called for national calm and urged citizens to respect the democratic process, as political tensions continue to intensify ahead of a Motion of No Confidence scheduled for debate next week.
In Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister moved a special adjournment to suspend sittings until Tuesday, May 6 to allow for formal debate on the motion.
“Thank you Mr Speaker. I move that Parliament adjourns from Tuesday 29th April to Tuesday 6th May,” PM Manele said.
“The reasons for the special adjournment are well known. The Motion of No Confidence has been put on notice, and it is important we deal with it properly. There is some urgency given the current situation,” he said.
“As Prime Minister, I appeal to the good people of Solomon Islands, including Honiara, to remain calm and respect the democratic process that will be underway on May 6.”
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale argued that Manele no longer holds the mandate of the House.
“I just wish to put on record that the Prime Minister lacks the mandate of the House and therefore should not be in the position to determine, by way of motion, what the House should be doing. I wish the point to be recorded,” Wale said on the floor of Parliament yesterday.
Opposition now holds 26 MPs, more resignations expected
As of Monday afternoon, the Opposition claims it now commands 26 MPs, including 10 former government MPs who resigned and crossed the floor.
Before Parliament resumed, 25 MPs gathered for a photo before moving to the Opposition bench.
The 26th member, William Marau (MP for Ulawa Ugi), is currently overseas for medical treatment.
He signed his resignation before departing and has confirmed his full support for the Opposition.
The Opposition claims that more government MPs are likely to resign in the coming days.
List of the 26 MPs aligned with the Opposition Group:
1. Derek Manuari
2. Freda Tuki
3. David Gina
4. Jean Dean Kuku
5. Matthew Wale
6. Danny Waneora
7. Mannaseh Sogavare
8. Rick Hou
9. Ricky Fuo’o
10. Rollen Seleso
11. John Maneniaru
12. James Bonuga
13. Manasseh Maelanga
14. Peter Kenilorea Jnr
15. Morris Toiraena
16. Stephen Kumi
17. Alfred Tuasulia
18. Gordon Darcy Lilo
19. Nesto Ghiro
20. Lazarus Rimah
21. John Tuhaika Jnr
22. Oliver Salopuka
23. George Temahua
24. ClaudiusTei’ifi
25. Stannley Sofu
26. William Marau – overseas
The next few days will prove critical as the nation awaits the 6th May sitting, where the fate of the current government could be decided.
