Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare backs constitutional reforms and urges Government to introduce amendments in December.
The Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare MP, welcomes the constitutional reform agenda announced by the GREAT Coalition Government.
Opposition Leader, Sogavare expressed support, describing the proposed reform as an important opportunity to strengthen Solomon Islands’ constitutional institutions, improve parliamentary governance and promote political stability.
Sogavare said the Opposition is prepared to engage constructively with the Government on the proposed reforms and encourages the GREAT Coalition Government to demonstrate its commitment by bringing the proposed constitutional amendments to Parliament during its December sitting for debate.
“The Parliamentary Opposition welcomes the proposed reforms and encourages the GREAT Coalition Government to bring them to Parliament during the December sitting. This will provide an opportunity for all Members of Parliament to examine the proposals, contribute their views and work together towards constitutional reforms that will serve our long-term national interests.”
Sogavare said, while the six broad pillars of reform announced by the Government provide very limited detail on the actual constitutional amendments being contemplated, the objective of any constitutional reform should not simply be to prevent changes of government. It should be to promote responsible political leadership, establish stronger institutions, improve parliamentary effectiveness and ensure that the government remains accountable to Parliament and especially its people.
He cautioned the GREAT Coalition against any constitutional reform that is not guided by the national interest and the fundamental democratic principles upon which Solomon Islands was founded.
He adds, while political stability is important, it must be pursued in a manner that strengthens, rather than weakens, democratic accountability and the constitutional responsibilities of Parliament.
The Opposition Leader said the country’s political challenges cannot be addressed through constitutional amendments alone. They also require responsible political leadership, stronger institutional safeguards, consistent policy direction and a political culture that places national interests above individual political ambitions.
The Opposition underlined, the reform agenda must also give appropriate attention to strengthening the independence of the National Parliament, Judiciary, reinforcing constitutional offices of accountability and ensuring that institutions established under the Constitution can discharge their responsibilities independently and effectively under mandated Ministries and institutions.
Sogavare reaffirmed that the Parliamentary Opposition is committed to supporting meaningful constitutional reforms that strengthen democracy, promote political stability, protect institutional independence and uphold the sovereignty and democratic foundations of Solomon Islands.
SOURCE// OPPOSITION PRESS RELEASE
