by Ronald Toito’ona
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is now in a strong position to beat the vote of no-confidence scheduled for debate in parliament tomorrow.
GNUT now has the support of 26 MPs, while the Opposition has 23.
This change happened after three MPs from the Opposition and Independent group decided to join the government. They are Daniel Waneoroa (North Malaita), Derick Manu’ari (West Makira), and Ricky Fuo’o (Central Kwara’ae).
Over the weekend, these three were officially sworn in as new government ministers. They took over the positions left vacant by five ministers who had recently left GNUT.
To strengthen his team, Prime Minister Manele also reshuffled some positions in Cabinet.
Yesterday, Maringe-Kokota MP, Cathy Nori was sworn in as the new Minister for the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs. Fredrick Kologeto, leader of the Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP), was also appointed as the new Deputy Prime Minister.
This brings more balance to the top leadership, with Manele from the OUR Party and Kologeto from SIPFP.
Today, another Cabinet reshuffle saw West Choiseul MP Harry Kuma return as Minister of Finance—a role he previously held under the Sogavare-led DCGA government.
He had been serving as Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration under GNUT. That portfolio has now been taken up by North East Guadalcanal MP and Kadere Party wingleader, Jamie Vokia.
The only ministerial portfolio that is left to be filled is that of Fisheries & Marine Resources (MFMR), which was left vacant following the resignation of Nestor Ghiro last Monday.
So far, the MPs who switched sides have not publicly explained why they left the Opposition.
However, some political sources say things are not going well in the Opposition group, which is led by Matthew Wale, Manasseh Sogavare, Peter Kenilorea Jr, and Gordon Darcy Lilo.
There were reports of disagreements, power struggles, and a lack of trust among Opposition leaders.
“Some MPs may have joined the government because they saw a chance to take on ministerial roles, which would give them more resources to help their voters,” one senior government source told In-depth Solomons.
It is common knowledge that in Solomon Islands politics, holding a Cabinet position often means having better access to funds and development projects.
Last week, when 10 MPs suddenly resigned from GNUT, it created a lot of doubt about whether the government could survive.
But the quick response from Manele and the return of new MPs have helped GNUT get back on its feet.
As it stands now, unless something unexpected happens, GNUT is likely to survive the no-confidence vote scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
Following the resignation of the 10 government MPs, PM Manele told reporters last Friday that GNUT’s door is open for leaders who share the same vision as that of his government.
“The resignation of senior ministers is a blessing in disguise. It is the dawn of a new era to usher in fresh, young and energetic leaders who are willing to take up the challenge to lead our people and country.
“GNUT’s door is open,” Manele said.
A few hours after the press conference, the North Malaita MP, Daniel Waneoroa was officially announced as the new minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
Last Saturday, two more MPs, Derrick Manu’ari and Ricky Fuo’o took their oaths at the government house, when they were appointed as Mines and Infrastructure ministers respectively.
Commentators said the way GNUT quickly filled its empty Cabinet posts shows that it is trying to stay strong and organized.
In the end, although the motion of no confidence was meant to bring down the government, it looks like problems within the Opposition may have actually helped GNUT regain its numerical strength.
However, as the numbers stand 26-23 now, anything can happen in the hours leading to the motion tomorrow, as It only takes three MPs to make the switch.