SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, faces a court battle as 28 members of parliament challenge him to convene a sitting of legislators immediately.
The move follows Manele’s refusal to convene parliament to debate a motion of no confidence in his minority government.
In recent weeks, as many as 28 of Parliament’s 50 members have joined forces and now stand against Manele.
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, and Independent Manasseh Maelanga are the main elements behind moves to unseat the prime minister.
At least 19 MPs who defected from the government over the last two weeks claim they are unhappy with Manele’s leadership, citing distrust and internal division.
“This legal action is about upholding the rule of law,” the coalition stated in a statement reported by Indepth Solomons.
“Parliament is the supreme democratic institution of our country and must be allowed to function without obstruction.’’
Named as defendants in the opposition action are the Governor-General, who must officially summon Parliament; Manele, for his failure to advise the summons; the Speaker of Parliament, due to his institutional role in overseeing a sitting; and the Attorney-General as the legal representative of the Crown.
The opposition MPs want the High Court to determine the scope and proper exercise of executive authority.
Manele has refused to call for a session of parliament, claiming that he is in control of the government and the situation remains normal.
But dissident MPs believe Manele does not have the lawful power to keep parliament closed if he no longer commands a majority in the house.