Three ministers quit as Solomons PM faces a no-confidence vote

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale is facing a major test of his leadership after three senior ministers resigned from his government.

This also comes as a no-confidence motion against him moves towards Parliament.

The resignations include Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, who filed the motion against Wale on Saturday, along with Justice Minister Clezy Rore and Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Minister Harry Kuma.

Solomon Islands Government House confirmed the three resignations on Monday, saying Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu had formally received and signed their resignation letters. No other MPs have resigned.

The political crisis comes just over three months after Wale became Prime Minister and days after he left the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau to deal with the challenge at home.

Maelanga has accused Wale of making major national decisions without proper Cabinet consultation or approval.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale and his wife during a visit to Auckland: Wale is facing a major test of his leadership after three senior ministers resigned from his government. Photo/PMN Solomons

He said the motion was about whether Wale still had the confidence of Parliament and was separate from ongoing investigations into matters including the 33 West Rennell bauxite shipments, Pacific Games spending, and the Economic Stimulus Package.

“These investigations must continue independently and without political interference, regardless of the motion or its outcome,” Maelanga said in a statement.

The resignations now raise questions about whether Wale can keep his Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) coalition together.

Solomon Islands Parliament is due to resume on 7 September, when a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale is expected to be considered. Photo/RNZI/Koroi Hawkins

Parliament is due to resume on 7 September when the motion is expected to take precedence over other government business. The notice of motion has already passed the required seven-day notice period.

Dr Transform Aqorau, political analyst and Solomon Islands National University Vice-Chancellor, says the latest crisis raises serious questions about political stability.

“Another vote of no confidence, only months after a change of government - what does this say about us and our ability to govern with stability and maturity?” he said in a Pacnews report.

Aqorau said the dispute could perhaps have been dealt with inside Cabinet first.

“Surely this is a matter that could first have been raised in Cabinet, with Matthew firmly reminded that he must learn to consult his colleagues.”

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has appealed for calm as the political process unfolds.

Solomon Islands National University Vice-Chancellor and political analyst Dr Transform Aqorau says the latest political crisis raises questions about the country’s ability to govern with stability and maturity. Photo/Supplied

Acting Police Commissioner James Aitorea urged the public to avoid unlawful activity and allow Parliament to carry out its role.

He said police would continue to monitor the situation and maintain public safety.

The political crisis has also affected Solomon Islands' role at the Pacific Islands Forum.

Wale was due to hand the Forum chairmanship to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr and take part in discussions on regional priorities, security, climate change, and development.

Instead, he returned to Honiara, with Foreign Minister Rick Hou and National Planning and Development Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr representing Solomon Islands at the Forum.

Kenilorea Jr told journalists after the motion was filed that he “had no idea as to why” it had been launched and was “looking forward to finding out more”.

Watch Matthew Wale's address after being elected Prime Minister in Parliament.

The leadership challenge now follows Wale home as his government faces its first major test since taking office in May.

The immediate question is whether the GREAT coalition can hold its numbers and whether Wale can survive the vote when Parliament resumes next week.