The nation’s political deadlock has shifted from the halls of Parliament to the steps of the High Court, as the newly formed coalition of 28 MPs filed a landmark legal challenge to compel Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to convene the House immediately.
The legal action, spearheaded by Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, and Independent Leader Manasseh Maelanga, marks a dramatic escalation in the struggle for control of the “engine room” of government.
The coalition, representing a clear majority of the 50-seat Parliament, argues that the Prime Minister is “avoiding accountability” by failing to advise the Governor-General to summon a sitting.
This delay persists despite a formal Motion of No Confidence being lodged and the government’s numbers reportedly dwindling to just 22.
“This legal action is about upholding the rule of law,” the coalition stated in a statement issued this afternoon.
“Parliament is the supreme democratic institution of our country and must be allowed to function without obstruction,” the statement added.
The sweeping constitutional claim names the four highest offices of the state as defendants:
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The Governor-General: For his role in officially summoning Parliament.
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The Prime Minister: For his failure to advise the summons.
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The Speaker of Parliament: Included due to his institutional role in overseeing a sitting.
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The Attorney General: Joined as the legal representative of the Crown.
The High Court is now being asked to determine the “scope and proper exercise” of executive authority.
The group argued the Constitution does not permit the Prime Minister to avoid accountability by delaying Parliament.
Central to the case is whether a Prime Minister has the lawful power to keep Parliament closed when they no longer command a majority, or if such inaction falls outside the bounds of the Constitution.
While Prime Minister Manele has previously dismissed the situation as a “normal democratic process,” the coalition maintains that the Constitution does not permit the executive to bypass the legislature during a crisis of numbers.
The High Court is yet to set a date for the hearing.
[ENDS]
