YURU House of Chiefs in East Kwaio say they are opposed to the proposed extension of the Parliament term from four to five years.
The Chiefs passed a resolution at their meeting at Atoifi last Friday ahead of a proposed visit by the Member of Parliament for the East Kwaio Constituency, Stanley Festus Sofu.
Mr. Sofu is expected to visit his constituency this month where he will discuss government business including the extension of the life of Parliament.
In statement issued after the meeting, the Yuru House of Chiefs said they have passed a resolution not to support the extension of the life of parliament no matter what explanation would be made by their MP.
During the meeting they raised questions on the intention, priority and important business of the government.
They said they understood that there are two important events next year – the 2023 Pacific Games and the National General Election.
“Why should we allow the two-week event to take priority over the election, which is more important and should be respected as it is an important element within our current law or Constitution.
“There are 52 weeks in a year and so the South Pacific Games (SPG) would be hosted for only two weeks, what about the other 50 weeks,” they reasoned.
“Where is the sovereignty that the Prime Minister is so (vocal) about that an important legal instrument within our Constitution has to be deferred just because of a two-week event that comes and goes,” the statement said.
The Yuru House of Chiefs said the SPG would not benefit them, but only people within the ruling government.
From past experience when Solomon Islands hosted the Pacific Arts Festival in 2012, it only had an impact on the urban dwellers but not the rural people.
They appeal to their MP not to support the extension and must listen to the views of the people he represents in Parliament.
