By Georgina Maka’a

The People First Party (PFP) is reportedly divided over the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale, which was submitted to Parliament last Saturday.

Insiders have told In-depth Solomons that party members hold conflicting views on whether to support or oppose the motion, which is expected to be debated when Parliament resumes on Monday.

“They were divided,” one insider said.

PFP is the largest political party in the Wale-led GREAT Coalition, with 11 MPs. Its parliamentary wing leader is Francis Sade, who is currently the Deputy Prime Minister.

East Malaita MP and Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, who has resigned from the government, will move the motion when Parliament resumes.

Maelanga, who is associated with the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (SIPRA), has accused Wale of making decisions on matters of national importance without properly consulting Cabinet.

His move is reportedly backed by businessman and PFP strongman Chachabule Amoi, the MP for Marovo Constituency in Western Province.

Amoi has not responded to requests for comment from In-depth Solomons.

Insiders told In-depth Solomons that while Amoi and some senior PFP members want the party to withdraw from GREAT, Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade and younger PFP members prefer to remain in the coalition.

Two senior PFP members, Clezy Rore, the MP for North Vella La Vella and Minister for Justice, and Harry Kuma, the MP for North West Choiseul and Minister for Commerce, have reportedly resigned from the government in support of the motion.

However, the split does not appear to represent a complete breakaway by PFP from the GREAT Coalition.

Insiders say a number of PFP members, under Sade’s leadership, remain firmly opposed to abandoning the government and believe the current disagreements can still be resolved amicably.

“Sade is urging caution, stating that the disagreements are matters that can be addressed internally and that MPs should carefully consider the growing public perception surrounding another change of government after only three months in office,” one insider said.

Prime Minister Wale, who returned early this week from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau to address the political crisis, is believed to have regained control of the situation.

His six-party coalition was believed to have the support of 32 MPs before the resignations.

In-depth Solomons understands that Wale is now in the process of replacing the ministers who have resigned.