SOLOMONS GOVERNMENT PUSHING CONSTITUTIONAL BILL

PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

SOLOMONS GOVERNMENT PUSHING CONSTITUTIONAL BILL
PM Sikua tries to rally support in parliament

By Eddie Osifelo
HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, Nov. 26, 2009) – The Solomon Islands government is working around the clock to get the support it requires to pass the Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill 2009.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua adjourns the meeting yesterday afternoon to meet with his backbenchers in cabinet.

It appeared that 14 of his 18 backbenchers who signed a petition to oppose the passage of the bill are still maintaining that position.

The signatories are member for West New Georgia, Peter Boyers; MP for Savo Russell, Sir Allen Kemakeza; MP for East Are Are Edward Huniehu; MP for East Honiara, Silas Milikada; MP for Shortlands, Augustine Taneko; MP for Malaita Outer Islands, Patrick Vahoe; MP for North West Guadalcanal, Siriako Usa; MP for Central Honiara, Nelson Neé; MP for Gela, Mark Kemakeza; MP for North Guala, Martin Sopage; MP for North Malaita, Enele Kwainarara; MP for Lau Baelelea, Walter Folotalu; MP for South Vella La Vella, Trevor Olovae and MP for West Are Are, Severino Nuaási.

However, Mr Huniehu has spoken in support of the bill on Tuesday while Mr. Neé is currently seeking medical attention overseas.

One government insider said most of the backbenchers are still standing their ground.

"Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua will have to convince them if they are to change their mind and vote in support of the bill," the insider said.

Clerk of Parliament, Taeasi Sanga said if the Bill fails to go through the first vote, then it is defeated.

Government is seeking three quarter or 37 members of parliament in order to pass the Bill.

So far Sir Allan Kemakeza; MP for West Makira, Japhet Waipora; MP for West Honiara, Isaac Inoke; MP for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel, Mr Boyers and Opposition leader, Manasseh Sogavare have spoken against the bill.

MP for North West Choiseul, Mr Kengava; Mr Huniehu; MP for Renbel, Seth Gukuna, MP for East Kwaio, Stanley Sofu and MP for Auki Langalanga, Mathew Wale have supported the Bill.

The backbencher MPs said they were concerned about the timing, operation and the impact of the proposed legislation, adding the government should tread slowly and carefully.

They have also expressed the importance of civic education on the bill being carried out in schools and the wider community.

Consultations on the bill took place in all provincial capitals and in Honiara.

Some backbenchers suggested the bill can be passed but its operation should be delayed until after the 2010 general elections.

The accompanying Political Parties (Registration and Administration) Bill 2009 will depend on the outcome of the Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill.

Go back to Pacific Islands Report: Graphics or Text Only.