Parliament Passes Bill to Reform Governance System
On Tuesday 19 December 2023, Parliament passed the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Bill 2023. This significant legislative development marks a critical step in the constitutional evolution of the country. The primary objective of the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Bill 2023 is to introduce explicit provisions for the repeal of the existing Constitution of 1978. The amendment outlines a comprehensive process for the repeal, detailing the establishment of the Constituent Assembly, which forms the Coordinating Committee and various theme committees, each assigned specific functions. The Constituent Assembly is responsible for voting on the Draft Constitution, leading to the final parliamentary vote.
On the date of the final parliamentary vote:
(a) If approved by Parliament, the Draft Constitution will immediately come into force as the supreme law of the Solomon Islands. Simultaneously, the Solomon Islands Independence Order 1978 will be repealed, ceasing to have any further force or effect. Any transitional arrangements provided for in the Draft Constitution will be the only exceptions.
(b) In the event of rejection, the Constituent Assembly will be dissolved, and subsections (6) to (18) of section 61 will expire immediately.
