TSI Questions Appointment of Independent Leader - Tavuli News (Solomon Islands)

TSI Questions Peter Kenilorea Jnr’s Appointment, Calls for Legislative Amendments to Preserve Integrity of Parliament

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has raised concerns over the appointment of Peter Kenilorea Jnr, the Parliamentary Wing Leader of the Solomon Islands United Party, as the Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament. Ruth Liloqula, Chief Executive Officer of TSI, emphasized that the Independent Group in Parliament is intended for MPs who are not affiliated with any political party or the opposition.

Liloqula called on the Government for National Unity and Transformation to amend the country’s laws regarding the Independent Group in Parliament. She highlighted that the current composition of the Independent Group does not reflect its intended purpose, as many of its members have joined the government coalition.

Former Speaker of Parliament Waeta Ben Tabusasi, one of the country’s first leaders, echoed Liloqula’s concerns. He stated that appointing a member of a political party as the leader of the Independent Group contradicts the group’s original purpose. “The group is meant for MPs not affiliated with any party or opposition,” Tabusasi told Tavuli News, recalling his involvement in the 1977 constitutional conference in London, where independent members formed a majority in the government.

***Solomon Islands Delegation to the Independence Constitutional Conference, Lancaster House, London, September 1977.*** Front row left to right: Sir Frederick Osifelo (Speaker), Willie Betu (leader of Independent Group), Peter Kenilorea (Chief Minister and Leader of the Delegation, Lord Goronway-Roberts (Leader of the British Delegation), Sir Colin Allan (Governor), David Kausamae (Leader of the Rural Party). Second row left to right: Henry Tom, John Melanoli, Ben Tumulima. Third row left to right: Moffat Bonunga, Pulepada Ghemu, Jason Dorovolomo, Dr Francis Kilsolo, John Tepaika, Daniel Ho’ota, David Valusa. Fourth row left to right: John Saunana, Matthew Belamalanga, Geoffrey Beti, Peter Manetiva, Waeta Bea, David Campbell, Dr Gideon Zoleveke. Back row left to right: Attorney General P. Donegan, Lawrie Wickham, Philip Kapini, Sethiuel Kelly, Jonathan Fifi, Francis Billy Hilly, Mariano Kelesi.

Tabusasi supported TSI’s call for legislative amendments to ensure the integrity of parliament. Liloqula added that the Independent Group no longer has significant representation in Parliament, as most members have joined the Government for National Unity and Transformation. She pointed out that only one MP who contested as an independent candidate remains without a portfolio even though he is with the government side.

“Chairman of Caucus, Namson Tran and Vice Chairlady Cathy Nori both also contested as independent candidates. Look where they are now? We do not have any Independent Members in Parliament,” Liloqula stated.

Legal experts consulted by Tavuli News shared the view that the Independent Group should consist of MPs elected without party affiliation.

The Leader of the Independent Members, officially recognized as leading a group of MPs not aligned with the government or opposition, is appointed by the Governor-General according to the Constitution of 1978. This position, in place since the country’s independence, is outlined in Article 66 of the Constitution, which differentiates the roles of the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Independent Members.

The Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Standing Orders of the National Parliament provide a framework for independent MPs. While the Constitution does not specifically mention ‘independent groups,’ it allows MPs to be elected as independents. The Electoral Act supports this by permitting candidates to stand for election without political party affiliation. In Parliament, the Standing Orders enable independent MPs to form groups and participate in debates and committee work like their party-affiliated counterparts. The Speaker of Parliament plays a crucial role in recognizing these groups and ensuring their fair participation.

Peter Kenilorea Jnr, currently abroad, told Tavuli News that it would be an honor to serve as the Independent Leader in Parliament. He asserted that the United Party remains independent, as it has not signed any coalition agreement with the opposition or the Government for National Unity and Transformation.

Transparency Solomon Islands continues to advocate for clarity and adherence to the principles governing the Independent Group in Parliament to maintain its intended function and representation or remove it altogether.