Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has formally acknowledged a landmark High Court judgment regarding the convening of Parliament, while simultaneously announcing his intention to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.
The statement, released Tuesday, 14 April 2026, follows a ruling by Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer that ordered the Prime Minister to convene the legislature within three days.
In his official statement, Prime Minister Manele extended his appreciation to the Chief Justice for the expedited handling of Civil Case 154 of 2026.
He noted that the High Court’s efficiency in presiding over a matter of such “national significance” is commendable, emphasizing that judicial function is essential for upholding the rule of law during times of political uncertainty.
The High Court’s ruling arrived after a legal challenge by the “New Coalition”—a group of 28 MPs who currently hold a majority in the 50-seat house following the defection of 19 government members last month.
The Chief Justice ruled that Manele had failed his constitutional duty by refusing to call Parliament to face a matured motion of no confidence.
Concerns Over Separation of Powers
Despite acknowledging the court’s role, the Prime Minister expressed firm disagreement with the judgment’s conclusions.
Manele stated that the ruling raises “profound issues” concerning constitutional mandates and the established boundaries between the Executive and the Judiciary.
“It is essential that the powers of the Head of State, the advice of the Prime Minister, and the procedures of Parliament are balanced exactly as the framers of our Constitution intended,” Manele stated.
He argued that certain fundamental legal questions were not adequately addressed in the initial ruling.
The Path to Appeal
The Prime Minister has officially instructed the Attorney General to take the matter to the Court of Appeal.
Manele characterized this move as a duty to protect the integrity of the Office of the Prime Minister and the stability of the country’s parliamentary democracy for future generations.
The Prime Minister’s decision aligns with earlier comments from Attorney-General John Muria Jnr, who indicated immediately following the ruling that an appeal was forthcoming due to unaddressed legal issues.
Call for National Unity
Meanwhile, as the legal battle moves to the nation’s highest court, Prime Minister Manele called on all Solomon Islanders to maintain respect for democratic institutions.
“I call on all Solomon Islanders to remain calm and peaceful,” the Prime Minister urged.
“Let us allow the legal process to reach its finality through the Court of Appeal”.
The legal impasse occurs as the nation also navigates the recovery phase following Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila, which was downgraded to a Category 1 system earlier this week after causing significant damage across the Western, Choiseul, and Isabel provinces.
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