Solomon Islands police step up security ahead of no-confidence vote
5 May 2025. Solomon Islands police say they are stepping up security for a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele scheduled for Tuesday.
Manele's administration is hanging by a thread after 10 MPs - including five senior ministers - resigned from his Government of National Unity (GNUT).
Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo, a former prime minister himself, submitted a no-confidence motion against Manele - his second within six months.
On Monday, 28 April, parliament was adjourned due to a lack of quorum after only 16 out of 49 MPs were present in the House.
The next day, Speaker Sir Patterson Oti adjourned parliament to Tuesday, 6 May, noting that the motion of no confidence was a matter of public urgency.
He said, "The Prime Minister is still Prime Minister until he is out of the office," in response to calls from opposition leader Matthew Wale for Manele to step down immediately.
Jeremiah Manele Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koro Vaka'uta
Manele called for calm, saying "I will not step down [until the no-confidence vote this week].
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force said it is closely monitoring the political situation.
Police commissioner Mostyn Mangau said members of the public should allow MPs to do their work in accordance with the political processes.
Mangau said it was time for "our leaders to make a decision on our behalf".
"Allow them to exercise [their decision-making authority]."
Mangau also appealed to members of the public not to spread false information about the motion.
- RNZI
