BY NED GAGAHE
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale says discussions among political leaders to identify the country’s next Prime Minister are a normal and necessary part of the democratic process.
Speaking to local media following the successful Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Mr Wale said lobbying and consultations between leaders should not be viewed negatively.
“It’s part of the process. It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Mr Wale said.
“You call it lobbying, leaders need to talk to each other to find a nominee. Let’s allow that process. Let’s talk to each other for the new Prime Minister of this beautiful country.”
Mr Wale said new coalition are committed to working together to form the next government despite challenges that often arise during political transitions.
“We are committed to each other to form the next government,” he said.
“From history there are perilous moments in our political process, but I hope we will remain committed to each other and have common goals in moving forward to elect our Prime Minister for all of us in this country.”
The Opposition Leader described the period ahead as an exciting time for Solomon Islands, saying a new government could create opportunities for fresh policies and reforms.
“It’s an exciting time ahead in this country,” he said.
“It also comes with a cost too. Some things need to change, but it is exciting in terms of new opportunities and new policies on things we can do.”
Mr Wale said he hopes the incoming government will be responsible, inclusive and responsive to the issues affecting Solomon Islanders.
“We hope that the new government would be a responsible and inclusive one, a government that responds to the many issues we feel,” he added.
Meanwhile, responding to questions on political instability, Mr Wale said the issue was not new in Solomon Islands politics.
He referred to constitutional amendments introduced by former Prime Minister Derek Sikua in 2010, which later became part of the Political Parties Integrity Act.
Mr Wale said the legislation was intended to reduce political “grasshopping” and instability within Parliament.
“That Act could have stopped a lot of grasshopping,” he said.
However, he said that the current political situation was different because it involved an entire coalition partner withdrawing support from government rather than individual MPs changing sides.
“We have to permit that parties are able to lose confidence and therefore change support,” he said.
“But individual jumping has been the cause of many instabilities in the past.”
Mr Wale said reforms to strengthen political stability have already been widely discussed and supported by development partners and diplomats.
“These are things that we must fix,” he said.
“Let’s be bold about some of the things we must do. We must not be frightened and hold back.”
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