THE Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) failed to secure the required majority of 37 votes to ensure the passage of the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly Sitting) Bill on Thursday.
A total of 31 MPs voted for the bill, two abstained from voting, two opposed it and 14 MPs did not attend Parliament to vote.
The vote on the bill followed the conclusion of the Second Reading by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Despite Parliament not having the required number of MPs in the chamber to vote and pass the bill, Speaker Patterson Oti allowed the vote to proceed.
Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia expressed his disappointment, calling the outcome a sad moment in the nation’s history.
He criticized the absence of support from MPs across the chamber, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over constitutional progress.
“These leaders claim to be transparent and honest but have denied the Constitution. We have made this issue so personal that it was not supported,” Minister Tovosia said.
He also noted that Parliament had waited several days for absent MPs to attend, but they failed to show up during the critical vote.
Similarly, East Malaita MP and Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga expressed regret over the bill’s failure.
However, he pointed out that the Cabinet could revisit the bill and reintroduce it in Parliament in the future.
“It is important to form an assembly to consider a system that suits the country. All MPs must recognise its significance,” Minister Maelanga added.
The bill aimed to extend the deadline for convening the Constituent Assembly from 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2026.
It also proposed increasing the assembly’s membership from 80 to 100 members. The Constituent Assembly is intended to facilitate consultations on transitioning from the unitary system inherited from Great Britain to a federal system.
Following the vote, Parliament concluded its session and was adjourned sine die.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
