27 Oct 2015

PPC confirms strengthening of Solomons government numbers

11:57 am on 27 October 2015

The Political Parties Commission in Solomon Islands has confirmed six MPs have renounced their status as Independents and signed up to become members of the People's Alliance Party, effectively strengthening the government's position.

The confirmation comes after a group of seven disgruntled ministers crossed the floor last week.

Last night, the PPC reviewed the latest documents and found they were in order.

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Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins

The registrar of Political Parties, Calvin Ziru, says the PPC is satisfied that all relevant sections of the Political Parties Integrity Act have been complied with.

In absence of any further resignations the Democratic Coalition for Change Government numbers on record stand at 41 MPs, increasing the People's Alliance Party MP membership from three to nine.

Mr Ziru says there may still be a number of issues that arise before the scheduled motion of no confidence against Manasseh Sogavare is debated on Friday, but in the meantime the PPC will continue to work with the parties to ensure that all appropriate procedures are followed.

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