The acting Solomon Islands prime minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has dismissed claims his government has been bribing members of the opposition to cross the floor.
Mr Lilo, who is also Finance Minister, was commenting on allegations by the opposition that it is waging a campaign to lure MPs with inducements and promises of portfolios.
Two opposition MPs recently defected amid speculation the government wants to build its majority in order to modify the constitution.
Mr Lilo says the government is interested in engaging the participation of everyone, including the opposition, in developing the country, but he denies the use of bribery.
"Absolute nonsense, nonsense. I mean it's always the responsibility of the executive government, it's a constitutional responsibility of the executive government to find a way as to how we can promote good participation in governance and the best way to achieve that is a bipartisan approach."
Gordon Darcy Lilo, the Solomon Islands acting prime minister.
