“Accountable To Parliament, Not the PM”: Manele Invokes Separation Of Powers Amid Committee Walkouts

by Georgina Maka’a

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has moved to de-escalate tensions surrounding the recent mass resignation of Parliamentary Standing Committee chairs, asserting that these oversight bodies are independent of the Executive branch and must continue their work regardless of the current political climate.

The Prime Minister’s remarks follow claims from opposition members that his administration, currently labeled a “minority government” by a rival 28-member coalition lacks the authority to direct parliamentary business.

Manele, however, argued that this line of reasoning fundamentally misunderstands the Solomon Islands’ constitutional framework.

Addressing a media conference in the capital today, Mr Manele says that under Section 62 of the Constitution, Parliament is a self-regulating entity. He clarified that Standing Committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Bills and Legislation Committee report directly to the Speaker and the Legislature, not to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The Constitution is clear,” Manele stated.

“It is based on the doctrine of separation of powers, which requires the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary to operate independently. These committees are established to help Parliament carry out its legislative and oversight roles effectively, not to take instructions from the Executive,” he added.

The Prime Minister dismissed suggestions that his government was improperly influencing committee agendas. In a subtle reversal of the opposition’s narrative, Manele pointed out that the constitutional relationship is actually one of Executive accountability.

“The constitutional position is the opposite [of what is being claimed], the Executive is accountable to Parliament,” Manele said.

“That is why Ministers and public officers appear before these committees when required. The Prime Minister has no constitutional authority to direct or instruct them.”

The walkout of committee chairpersons has threatened to stall essential legislative work, including the vetting of bills and the examination of national estimates.

Manele confirmed that Speaker of Parliament, Sir Patterson Oti, is currently taking steps to reconstitute these committees to ensure the machinery of government remains functional.

While the opposition continues to call for Manele’s immediate resignation following a wave of defections, the Prime Minister maintained that his mandate remains valid until a formal Motion of No Confidence is decided on the floor of Parliament.

“Parliament will be convened in accordance with the Constitution, and the proper process will take its course,” Manele concluded.

[ENDS]