THE government of the Solomon Islands faces a significant political crisis after the mass resignation of cabinet ministers and backbenchers.
A total of 19 ministers and backbenchers from the People’s First Party (PFP) have united with opposition and independent members to form a new 28-seat coalition, leaving Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele leading a minority government.
Pursuant to a notice of no confidence motion received on Monday, earlier this week, by the Office of the Speaker of Parliament against Manele, signed by the former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for South Vella La Vella
With the motion now before Parliament for consideration, it is currently in the required seven-day notice period, which will end on Monday.
While the Prime Minister has begun appointing replacement ministers to maintain a functioning cabinet, the motion is scheduled for debate in late March 2026.
“The motion can be moved and debated once the notice period ends, and when the Prime Minister convenes Parliament,” said Jefferson Hallu, Parliament Clerk.
“The motion can be moved anytime from March 24 onwards, whenever Parliament sits again.”
This is the third motion of no confidence to be filed against Manele.
Twelve Cabinet ministers have resigned from the Manele-led Government for National Unity and Transformation, mainly members of the PFP, citing frustration and mistrust among coalition partners as reasons for their resignations.
The mass resignation leaves 12 of the 24 government ministries without ministers.
“There is still time for the PM to stabilise the coalition,” said Redley Raramo, Political commentator and director of the Citizens Rights Advocacy Network Solomon Islands.
“Negotiations are still ongoing and progressing. The Prime Minister is yet to announce a formal date for the parliament meeting”.
“I wouldn’t be concluding here because anything to do with the numbers can only be manifested on the floor of Parliament.”
New coalition
“A new coalition is being formed between the PFP, opposition members, and independent MPs,” this was confirmed by Dr. Paul Bosawai, Deputy Wing Leader of the PFP and former Health Minister.
“There is a coalition being formed between the PFP, opposition, and independent members, and the number is 28 at the moment. In politics, we cannot rely on numbers, but we respect politicians’ choices.
“If we share the same common ground to redefine Solomon Islands and bring economic benefits to the country, then we are seeing support from our colleagues on the independent and opposition sides,” he said.
The Defected group has also signed a new coalition agreement and filed a motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister.
The group also released a statement expressing deep frustration over internal divisions, a lack of trust, and growing concerns that the government has lost its sense of direction and purpose.
“When such a significant number of sitting members, including ministers, abandon their own coalition, it signals a government in serious crisis.”
The statement noted the decision was not made lightly, and with this mass exodus, raises urgent constitutional and governance questions.
“Can a government that has lost the confidence of 19 of its own members continue to claim legitimacy? Can it effectively govern while grappling with internal collapse?”
The statement said what is unfolding is not just a reshuffling of numbers; it is a rejection of leadership that has failed to unite, failed to listen, and failed to deliver.
Source: PACNEWS