The motion of no confidence (MONC) against the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele, which had previously been scheduled for tabling and debate, does not appear on today’s parliamentary order paper.
According to the order paper, today’s proceedings will begin with prayers, followed by messages and announcements, matters of privilege, and then adjournment.
Under Standing Order 25, members of Parliament are allowed to raise matters that affect the privileges of Parliament. If such a matter is deemed to impact parliamentary privilege, a motion may be introduced without prior notice and debated immediately, taking precedence over any other scheduled business.
It is anticipated that the Speaker of Parliament will provide an explanation regarding the absence of the no-confidence motion from the agenda.
Parliamentary rules also stipulate that any motion including a motion of no confidence can only be amended if notice of the amendment was given at least one full day prior to the scheduled debate. Additionally, motions or amendments may be withdrawn by the mover with the consent of Parliament.
Notices of motions or amendments can also be withdrawn from the notice paper before being formally introduced, provided the member who submitted them instructs the Clerk accordingly.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament, Patteson Oti suspended this morning’s sitting to allow time for clarifications regarding the scheduled motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister, which was not listed in today’s order paper.
“There are issues that need clarification concerning the motion that was expected today. Parliament has yet to take a position due to its absence from the order paper,” Oti told Parliament.
“I will suspend Parliament until 2 o’clock. When we resume, we will proceed with the necessary procedures once the issues surrounding the motion’s omission have been addressed,” he added.
