ALL Members of Parliament (MP) are expected to visit their constituencies to explain to their people on government’s intention to extend the current life of the 11th Parliament.
This was revealed by Prime Minister (PM) Manasseh on Tuesday when speaking to wind-up deliberations on the Speech from the Throne from His Excellency Sir David Vunagi.
Sogavare said government’s intention is to accommodate the Pacific Games and allow time to complete reforms on the political party system and the electoral system.
The PM told Parliament the idea is, after the meeting of the parliament, MPs’ will go and explain to our people what the thing (extension) is all about.
It’s understood government already had consultations with the Solomon Islands Christian Association, Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association, Solomon Islands Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Provincial Premiers.
A number of MPs in their contribution to the motion announced that they will visit their constitutions after the meeting to consult their people.
Other MPs have also consulted their constituents.
Meanwhile, Sogavare explained that the government’s reason for the proposed extension is based on serious issues and developments that have direct negative effect on medium to long term socio economic and political stability of the country.
They are, he said, the budgetary and practical implications of the country hosting the 17th Pacific Games in 2023, which is also the election year and there are budgetary implications.
He said the Pacific Games can’t be moved to 2024 as it is an Olympic Year adding that the Pacific Games Charter does not allow for the PG to be held in the same year of the Olympics.
He said reforms on the political party system and the electoral system should have been done in 2019, delayed to 2020 and now to 2022 due to the prioritization of budget to address the global pandemic.
He added amongst the changes would also to put in place legal and structural administrative processes for out of constituency voting.
Parliament will meet again in July.
By MOFFAT MAMU
