Decision Day: Solomons court orders PM to face ‘no confidence’ vote in parliament by 7 May

The political tug-of-war in Solomon Islands is nearing its end after the Court of Appeal ordered Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to face Parliament next week or risk being forced out.

In a landmark ruling delivered under heavy police guard in Honiara on Friday, judges told Manele he must call a sitting of Parliament by 7 May to face a motion of no confidence.

The decision shuts down Manele’s attempt to block an earlier court order, potentially ending a months-long standoff that has left the country in limbo.

The ruling is a massive win for the Opposition "government in waiting," who claim they have the numbers to take over the 50-seat parliament.

The drama began back in March when a mass wave of ministers and MPs defected from Manele’s coalition.

Despite losing his majority, Manele refused to call Parliament leading Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer to declare the delay was "unlawful" and a breach of his "constitutional duty".

Outside the court on Friday afternoon, Opposition lawyer Gabriel Suri welcomed the final word from the judges.

"The court of appeal ruled that the prime minister must take all necessary steps before the 7th of May to call parliament," Suri told local media.

High alert: A heavy police presence surrounded the Honiara High Court precinct on Friday as judges dismissed the Prime Minister's appeal, ruling that his refusal to face a leadership vote was "unlawful." Photo/Facebook/Solomon Islands Police

The government’s Attorney General, John Muria Jr, admitted the court had spoken, though he was disappointed.

"I still yet have to go through the whole judgement and then advise the prime minister on what (are) the appropriate steps to take," he told Solomon Business Magazine.

Who is next in line?

While the Opposition is confident, they haven't yet named who would actually become the next Prime Minister.

In the Solomons, this is often where alliances fall apart, as different leaders jostle for the top job.

Government in waiting: Leaders of the new Opposition coalition say they have the 27 votes needed to take power but they have yet to officially name who will be their candidate for Prime Minister.

The names being whispered in Honiara include:

• Frederick Koloqeto: Leader of the largest party in the new coalition.

• Peter Shanel Agovaka: Former Foreign Minister who says he was offered the role to jump ship.

• Matthew Wale: The long-time Opposition Leader.

• Gordon Darcy Lilo & Rick Hou: Both former Prime Ministers with plenty of experience.

A numbers game

The Opposition says they have 27 MPs but in Solomon Islands politics, loyalties can change in a heartbeat.

Just this week, the coalition saw a "crack" in its wall when MP David Gina ditched the group to join Manele’s government as a minister.

If Manele refuses to follow the court’s order by 7 May, the Governor-General has the power to step in and call Parliament himself.

One way or another, the people of Solomon Islands are about to find out who is really in charge.