Solomon Islands government moves to end 'unstable coalitions, party defections'

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale's coalition is preparing to undertake a major constitutional reform initiative, including introducing "anti-defection measures" to create a "more predicable political environment," the government has announced.

Wale, who leads the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT), is currently recovering in an Australian hospital after departing Honiara for emergency medical treatment for an undisclosed condition last week.

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister's Office has not confirmed when Wale would return home.

However, in a statement on Monday, the government said it was advancing a reform package aimed at strengthening political stability and governance.

"The proposed amendments seek to address longstanding challenges in the country's political system, including unstable coalitions, party defections, recurring motions of no confidence and short parliamentary terms that can disrupt policy continuity and national development," the statement read.

It said the constitutional reforms would be built around six key pillars.

These include the responsible use of motions of no confidence; stronger political party integrity and anti-defection measures; transparent and rules-based government formation; a stable, continuous parliamentary term; stronger institutional independence and integrity, including safeguards for Parliament and the Judiciary and support for the Opposition front bench; and constitutional recognition of Solomon Islands' Christian identity.

"For ordinary Solomon Islanders, the intended benefits include greater continuity in government policies and development programmes," the government said.

It added that the proposed amendments would require "careful legislative preparation and broad parliamentary support" for reforms to be successful.