Make political grasshopping illegal: Maneniaru

The Member of Parliament for West Are’Are and Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee, Hon. John Maneniaru, has called on the Prime Minister and the GNUT Government to urgently introduce reforms to make political grasshopping illegal.

“If the Government is truly committed to strengthening political stability in our country, then they must be willing to put a stop to practices that have long undermined it. Political grasshopping is one such practice,” Hon. Maneniaru said.

Hon. Maneniaru described the practice, where MPs switch party allegiances after elections, as a betrayal of public trust that has destabilised governments for decades.

“Our people place their confidence in elected leaders on the basis of the platforms they stand for. When those commitments are abandoned, the very foundation of our democracy is weakened and Parliament dissolves into a marketplace where loyalty is auctioned off to the highest bidder,” Hon. Maneniaru reflected.

Hon. Maneniaru said that the current legal framework does not go far enough in ensuring accountability.

“Government must strengthen both the Political Parties Integrity Act and the Constitution, so that the integrity of the party system and the voters’ mandate is better protected,” Hon. Maneniaru highlighted.

Hon. Maneniaru emphasised that the values that underpin effective leadership must be preserved, while practices that undermine them must result be punished. 

“Government Stability should be anchored in principle, not personal financial or political gain. If leaders change course, there must be clear justification, and there must be consequences that reflect the seriousness of such decisions,” Hon. Maneniaru added.

As Chair of the BLC, Hon. Maneniaru said he stands ready to support these reforms.  

“Solomon Islanders deserve leaders who honour their word. If we are to move forward as a more stable and accountable democracy, then the Government must be willing to make these hard but necessary decisions. The time for reform is long overdue,” Hon. Maneniaru concluded.

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Opposition statement