Solomon Islands ‘dangles over the edge of political instability’ as three ministers quit

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) coalition appears headed for a major test after three of his most senior ministers formally quit on Monday.

This comes after Wale, 57, who was elected to the top job just over 100 days ago, cut short a trip to Palau after East Malaita MP and Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga launched a surprise leadership challenge.

He was elected prime minister on May 15 by 26 votes to 22 against Peter Shanel Agovaka.

• READ MORE: Solomon Islands PM Wale rushes home from Palau after confidence challenge launched

State broadcaster SIBC is reporting the three cabinet ministers who resigned are Justice Minister Clezy Rore, Commerce Minister Harry Kuma and Maelanga.

Solomon Islands Governor-General’s deputy Private Secretary Maxwell Banyo confirmed the resignations to SIBC on Monday.

RNZ Pacific has approached Wale’s office for comment but has not received a response.

Solomon Islands media have described the turn of events as an “internal coalition revolt”, while regional political watchers have called it “deeply unfortunate”.

According to Maelanga, the reason for the no-confidence motion is that Wale “has repeatedly made decisions on matters of national importance without properly consulting Cabinet”.

‘Complicated’ reasons
Solomon Islands academic Dr Tarcisius Kabutaulaka said the reasons for the motion of no confidence against Wale were “complicated”.

“The fundamental questions for Solomon Islands are these: If the motion were to go through, what can a new government do in the remaining period of this Parliament?” Dr Kabutaulaka wrote for In-depth Solomons.

“How would a change of government benefit the Solomon Islands? How would it further erode Solomon Islanders’ already low confidence in Parliament and its members?

“And how would it address the country’s chronic problem of instability?”

“While Solomon Islands’ members of Parliament tussle over who rules, Solomon Islanders watch — many with disappointment and anger.

“The country once again dangles over the edge of political instability.”