Lack of Support Forces Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo to Withdraw No Confidence Motion Against PM Manele

By Alfred Pagepitu 

The Member of Parliament for Central Honiara Constituency, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo withdrew the Motion of No Confidence against the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele this morning.

The motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Manele was withdrawn after Lilo confirmed that he did not have enough support to move forward with the challenge to the Prime Minister’s leadership.

In withdrawing the motion Hon Lilo said his decision is based of the point that he did not have enough support to move forward with the challenge.

“I don’t have the number. The number has retracted.  But the number out there are waiting keenly, you know, to listen to these issues that we are having right now. I am on their behalf.  And on behalf of the people, I will retract it. I withdraw this motion. Open all the windows of this chamber and then throw this motion out.” he said.

Hon Lilo had initially sought to delay the motion until December 18, 2024, but his request was overruled by Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Patterson Oti.

Mr Oti said he would not defer the motion of no confidence, as it was not supported by the Standing Orders.

Presiding over the motion Mr Oti inform the House explains certain aspects of the procedure and processes involved in the motion of no confidence.

He said that the relationship between Parliament and the Government is constitutional, although political in nature.

“Since the Government is formed by the majority of Members of Parliament, it commands the votes necessary to support its actions. The Government’s authority to govern is dependent on maintaining the confidence of the House,” he said.

Oti highlighted that the Government of the day must retain the confidence of the House, a constitutional principle that determines the relationship between Parliament and the Government.

“This principle ensures that the Government is accountable to Parliament and is a core principle of parliamentary democracy.”

SIBC news understands Parliament resumes tomorrow.

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