MONC against Premier Salini set for debate

By Alfred Pagepitu

The motion of no confidence against the Premier of Central Islands Province, Michael Salini, will be tabled for debate tomorrow Thursday.

Provincial Speaker Francis Moah today Wednesday marks the end of the seven-day notice period filed by the non-executive members who initiated the motion.

“The motion will be tabled tomorrow, commencing at 9 o’clock in the morning, and then the debate will begin,” Moah said.

He said all members are expected to be present, including eight non-executives supporting the motion and three executive members, among them two backbenchers.

While the Speaker acknowledged speculation over the numbers, he said the outcome remains uncertain. 

“We’ll just have to wait and see what the outcome of the motion will be tomorrow.”

Central Province Speaker Francis Moah confirmed that the motion was formally submitted by an absolute majority of the assembly, citing the government’s failure to maintain numbers.

 “Last Monday, I received a letter from the absolute majority of members of the provincial assembly, where eight fellows signed in and summoned a speaker under section 58 of the standing order for a convenient one-fellow meeting,” Speaker Moah said.

He said the main reason for the motion is the current government’s inability to conduct assembly business effectively due to its minority status.

He also highlighted the importance of majority rule in a democratic system.

“Solomon Islands is independent, and it depends on democracy. Democracy means the principle of majority rule must apply in all ruling governments,” he said.

The motion notice was put on notice on Tuesday, May 27.

If the motion is defeated, the ruling government will continue. But if it passes, nominations for a new premier will open. 

Meanwhile the political shift comes after two executive members, Dagnal Meleha, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Investment, and Percival Vaga’a, Minister for Lands, Forestry and Energy, resigned from Premier Salini’s government and joined the non-executive.

The resignations have tipped the balance of power, with the non-executive bloc now commanding eight out of thirteen members.

In their resignation letters, both ministers thanked Premier Salini for his leadership but stated that they were acting in the best interests of their families, wards, and the province.

Premier Michael Salini has responded through the Ngella Forum on Facebook, saying his team supports open dialogue and is prepared to face the motion.

“We agree to go into the motion to defend our policies and clarify any issues that might be raised. Also, we have to explain the decisions we have taken both at the executive level and from the premier’s office.”

 “Our group believes that more than ever, our province needs leaders who can work together to help develop our province,” he said.

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