The new coalition urges the Prime Minister to call Parliament immediately, citing concerns about the government’s minority status and the need for a formal test of majority, as outlined by the Constitution.
The new coalition says this is the appropriate time for the Prime Minister to call Parliament.
In a press conference today, spokespersons Peter Kenilorea Jnr and Peter Shanel Agovaka said the Prime Minister’s assertion that Parliament will be called at an “appropriate time” is both unacceptable and deeply misrepresented.
Kenilorea said in a parliamentary democracy, there is only one appropriate time to test majority and that is when it is in doubt.
“That time is now because the Prime Minister is currently running a minority government,” he said.
Kenilorea adds the Prime Minister was elected by Parliament, and his authority to govern is derived solely from the confidence of its members.
He said when that confidence is clearly in question; he does not have the luxury of choosing timing based on political convenience.
The East Are’Are MP said democracy is not scheduled at the discretion of one man.
“The continued delay in recalling Parliament raises serious concerns. It suggests an attempt to avoid a formal test of majority on the floor and the very mechanism provided under the Constitution through a Motion of No Confidence,” he said.
Agovaka also shared similar sentiments stating that the Constitution is clear and that majority must be proven on the floor of Parliament, not presumed.
“By refusing to act immediately, the Prime Minister risks holding the country at ransom, prolonging uncertainty and undermining public trust in our democratic institutions,” he said.
Agovaka said this is no longer a political matter but a constitutional obligation.
“I am calling on my good friend the Prime Minister to rethink his position and do the honourable thing,” he said.
Press Release
