Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s three-month-old GREAT Coalition Government is facing its first major political test after a motion of no confidence was filed against him in Parliament.
East Malaita MP and Minister of Home Affairs Manasseh Maelanga lodged the motion, with Parliament confirming receipt of the notice.
In the motion, Mr Maelanga accuses Mr Wale of making unilateral decisions without adequate consultation and of failing to take key matters through Cabinet.
The move has plunged the relatively new Government into political uncertainty, with parliamentary numbers expected to be crucial in determining whether Mr Wale can survive the challenge.
Mr Maelanga’s decision is particularly significant given his political relationship with the Prime Minister.
The two were part of the same political camp following the political standoff earlier this year and were initially rivals for the prime ministership.
Mr Maelanga eventually withdrew his candidacy on the morning of the parliamentary vote, paving the way for Mr Wale to secure the country’s top political office.
The latest challenge comes only months after Mr Wale led the opposition in successfully removing former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele through a 26-22 vote in Parliament before forming the GREAT Coalition Government.
The motion was filed as Mr Wale was departing Solomon Islands for Palau to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from August 30 to September 4.
Mr Wale is attending as outgoing Pacific Islands Forum chair and is expected to formally hand over the chairmanship to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.
The timing means Mr Wale faces a significant political challenge at home while representing Solomon Islands at the region’s premier leaders’ meeting.
Attention will now turn to the level of support Mr Maelanga can secure for the motion and whether the challenge exposes deeper divisions within the GREAT Coalition just three months after it took office
