9 Aug 2007

Motion against Solomons PM set to go ahead despite court action

8:02 pm on 9 August 2007

A motion of no-confidence against Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare appears set to go ahead on Friday despite a court action regarding the legality of the motion.

This comes after Mr Sogavare served a summons on both the Speaker of Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, and the intending mover of the motion, Opposition MP, Edward Huni'ehu.

The Prime Minister is seeking a high court ruling on whether Sir Peter contravened the constitution and is guilty of misconduct for publicly expressing a personal opinion on a subject matter to be raised in a motion.

Mr Sogavare is also seeking a declaration that the motion contravenes standing orders because it raises questions on which parliament has already taken decisions.

However the clerk of parliament has indicated that the motion is likely to go ahead as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the opening of the parliamentary session coincides with the rotation of troops attached to the Regional Assistance Mission, with a platoon from Tonga replacing one from PNG, and Australia replacing its 140 or so soldiers.

This means many more troops are available to provide security in the capital over the next few days.