Solomon Islands Opposition questions why the Government did not exercise its vote on a UN resolution concerning Palestine.
The Official Opposition has expressed serious concern over the decision of the Solomon Islands Government not to exercise the country’s vote during the United Nations General Assembly’s consideration of a resolution concerning the participation of the State of Palestine in the 81st session of the General Assembly.
On 17 September 2026, the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/81/L.2 by a recorded vote of 152 countries in favour, three against and four abstentions. The resolution allows the State of Palestine to submit a pre-recorded statement by its President, Mahmoud Abbas, to be played in the General Assembly Hall during the high-level general debate, following the denial of visas to members of the Palestinian delegation.
The Opposition said Solomon Islands, as a sovereign member of the United Nations, has an important responsibility to participate actively in the multilateral system and to ensure that its voice is recorded on matters brought before the General Assembly.
The issue is not simply which way Solomon Islands should have voted. The fundamental issue is that Solomon Islands should have exercised its right to vote and made its position known.
The Opposition further expressed, this is the second time in a month where Solomon Islands has not exercised its voting right on an important international resolution. That should concern every Solomon Islander who believes our country must have a voice in the international community.
A pattern of non-participation risks diminishing the visibility and influence of Solomon Islands at precisely the time when small island states need to make their voices heard.
The Opposition further questioned what the Government’s position means for the Ocean of Peace vision and the broader commitment by Pacific countries to work together on matters affecting peace, security and international cooperation.
The Official Opposition therefore calls on the Government to explain, why Solomon Islands did not exercise its vote on Resolution A/81/L.2, whether the decision was deliberate or resulted from an administrative or procedural matter and Why Solomon Islands has apparently not exercised its vote on another significant UN resolution earlier this month.
Solomon Islands may be small, but our vote matters. When we choose not to use it, we also choose not to put forward the interests and values of the Solomon Islands people in that decision.
The Opposition said the Government owes the people of Solomon Islands a clear explanation for its position and called for greater transparency over the country’s participation in future United Nations decisions.
Opposition Press Release
