I cited a report from Solomon Times online which claimed the PM, Danny Phillip won with a majority of 3. Such a broad statement and I could be mistaken in my view but I believe the PM has a very slight mandate to lead, ie an absolute majority of 1. I believe the constitution requires that an absolute majority of half + 1 is required. In this case, 26 but it is clearly a very slim margin and does not bode well for the PM elect. However, it is early days and anything can happen. But if the coalition will govern with an absolute majority of only 1 then I must say I feel sorry for the government. But then lets assume Danny Phillip has demonstrated some resiliance by holding fort together despite losing Manasseh Sogavare. Oloketa wantok, you fala tok tok come.
In the meantime, back to my original intent. I do not think the political party integrity bill addresses the issue of absolute majority as I would have liked it. Striving for an absolute majority in its bare minimum is not the way to consolidate government. So we should seriously consider that our definition of absolute majority hem half + 5 lelebet. Otherwise, I do not think anyone has mandate to lead if its on a shaky 26 votes! Ting ting blo me nomoa
Does the PM have the mandate to lead?
Thu, 08/26/2010 - 03:07
Mi think that Sogavare go lo Heritage Camp for rousim kam Lusibaea and Maelanga nomoa go back lo Pacific Casino ya. These ex Militants are not in good standing with Sogavare mmmmmm I wonder why? Any way these are just My opinions and not Facts. As for Danny Philip indeed his leadership is questionable. But I guess at the end of the day he is our PM weather we like it or not. Like you said, it is up to us to make noise down here at our level and not be passive if anything looks fishy or corrupt during the Governments Reign. Also it could be very unstable as there has been a passing away of one of the Pacific Casino group, member for Shortlands Steve Laore has passed away on the night of PMs election. Looks like a by election coming up for shortlands and I'm sure Taneko will get back in if he contests. He will probably be on the other side. Talk about Instability!! Have a nice day all. :)
i'll be making comments after 30 days. It's too early to throw any things yet as some people do change. Already i like the PM stances on RAMSI, Moti and others. Only time will tell if he live up to others as mentioned in Solstar.
Currently yes, though only 1 above the half on his election day. Danny Philip is well experienced and is not shy to come out to the media to express his views on the current pressing issues. 2 time foreign affairs mister and a one time Deputy PM, a good and solid back up ba. Though still early to judge, I think a chance for DP and his gropu to rule Solo is welcomed accept it not, its reality that we face. Hope $50,000 for spouse do not prevail.
My view on Sogavare is, he left to the other side to stir a motion of no confidence soon because they only need 2 to swing the power, unless some brown sugar breakem solidarity blong opposition and at least 6 MPs move across silently to the Government side. Kekea long business man and loggers full long government side.
Some thoughts to further discuss the issue
With less than 24hrs after the election of the new PM, we hear of a death within. Is this a bad omen to Phillips leadership?????.....
I don't think so. May be personal health problem and does not link to DP's government soon failure.
Guys, fresh news, according to a Solomon Star Journalist, the new PM has appointed Manessah Maelanga as Deputy PM and Lusibaea Jimmy is now your new Minister of Fisheries. I guess that partially answers "Does the new PM have the mandate to lead?"
tentative but nearly confirmed list is:
1. DEPUTY PRIME MINSTER AND Minister of Home Affairs Manasseh Maelanga
2. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Relations, Peter Shanel Agovaka
3. Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jimmy Lusibaea (PS or advisor Exley)
4. Minister of Mines and Energy, Mark Kemakeza
5. Minister of Lands and Housing, Martin Sopage
6. Minister of Forests, Heinz Bodo Dettke
7. Minister of Finance or Development Planning, Synder Rini (undecided who to take what)
8. Minister of Finance or Development Planning , Gordon Darcy Lilo (undecided to who take what)
9. Minister of Infrastructure Development , Jackson Fiulaua
10. Minister of Health and Medical Services, Charles Sigoto
11. Minister for Women , Youths and sports, Joseph Onika
12. Minister for Tourism and Culture, Samuel Manetoali
13. Minister for Provincial Government , Bradley Tovosia
14. Minister for Police and National security, Commins Mewa
15. Minister for Peace and Reconciliation, Hypolite Taremae
16. Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Moffat Fugui
17. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Selwyn Riumana
18. Minister for Aviation and Communication, Varian Longamei
19. Minister for Public Services, Douglas Ete
20. Minister for Education and Human Resources, Dickson Ha’amori
21. Minister for Commerce, Industry and Employment , Elijah Doro Muala
22. Minister for Justice and legal Affairs, Lionel Alex.
qwerty, i wonder who your source is. saw a similar list on Tutuvatu but oh my goodness. MM as DPM is stretching things too far. But government ya barava no look stret nao. I mean am I confident that some of those ministers will deliver? Certainly not! me hope the PM does what is decent for this country. put in capable leadership and focus on what the country needs first. but umi livim go olsem fast time, no gud oketa doim something good for country! e me head sore nomoa lo ting aboutim list blo u so me stop fast time
Who was the spoilt ballot cast for? I assume it was for Steve Abana because prior to the elections, One News confirmed that 26 MP's came with the PM elect and it reflected during voting. But technically speaking, the PM now has no mandate to lead. Because an absolute majority is required to govern. Simple majority is another story and can be used to vote for other things in parliament. But absolute majority requires half +1 = 26. Now the PM has 25, I believe the true test will come when they sit down to elect the Speaker of the house. If Steve Abana and group can show solidarity and defeat the PM and his group in electing the speaker, we will head into very early rounds of debate on government unless of course Speaker is only elected by simple majority. But 25 is not an absolute majority. Perhaps mathematics does not work in parliament but 1/2 of 49 is 24.5, absolute majority is 24.5+1 = 25.5, now you cannot have 0.5 man (only in Fiji is possible!lol) so in this case, I round up and the absolute majority needed is still 26. You fala man studim constitution tok come. But I think two things remain:
But the news of the passing of the late Steve Laore will have huge implications on the new government. Will the others in the Abana camp stand on their principles and hope to get back into power or will money and the lure of a ministerial post in this government take precedence. Either way, in my opinion the PM now has no mandate to rule and if he cannot quickly attract someone to join him, then he should resign. This is why the issue of absolute majority is very crucial in such circumstances.
"Simplicity is an art" | The views and opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the people, institutions or organizations that I may or may not be related with unless stated explicitly.
As of this evening Snyder is threatening or has left the DP group after fighting over the MoFT post with GDL i.e. the unresolved list above of who will take either MoFT or MDPAC between GDL & SR. So we 'might' have a precarious minority government ahead of us - well that is if the opposition holds. Already Sofu (as expected) has gone to join DP (though he might return if he hears rumours of a MNC) hehe.
Hmmmm..........hem na ia. Aleady, all that is happening is just the beginning of the unknown. Could be something we might dread, but let's hope not. List ia nomoa, me like usim magnifying glass na just to confirm that what i'm seeing is not real!. Again i'll try n keep an open mind.
shame, shamae tumas long grassohopper jump olowbaout.
grassohoppers have no integrity. hop hop all day. maybe the opposition and gov come to their sense and compromise somewhere without these grassohopers.
I heard the fijian govt was made up all major parties until Baenimarama took over. maybe good one for solo, mekem country truely ruled by man from every provinces.
tingting blong me tasol.
James Tora said politicians should stop politiking and get on with the work of governing. Boss ya barava con right through his teeth. I never believe him. Hem lukim opportunity and the government exploited the opportunity to get another grasshopper on board. Nafu lo connim umi na! But on the question of mandate, I have often questioned why a leader of a party without much leverage in parliament got to be PM. Then you look at the government and it startles me that there is only 1 backbencher. Oloketa, me no understand nao. Den look lo oketa people wea fall head over heels nao for the political appointee role and me give up nao. Douglas? Come on Solomon...you can do better than this! But me believe Oz hem monitor carefully the situation. Apart from Sogavare, the opposition looks like a more ideal government for the Oz liking and DP must tread carefully. Sapos Fono stap ba and hem in opposition; oh sorry by government ya fall down finish!
There's only 1 backbencher cos' everyone of 'em wanna be chief but no one wants to play indian!!. Staka grasshopper n dolo-didila na happen ia so it's game on, a government of convenience indeed!. I am really interested to see how this gafman by fare when it comes to international trade and relationships, the human components of this gafman are not convincing within the local level so how much more will it have to take for the bigger ones(international) out there to ponder on??. Make it worse, nafu lo olketa unneccessary disgusting political appointees ia. They should go back to their villages and have a life, they do not have any positive impact whatsoever at all. Who moa besides Douglas i wonder? Keh matequa o!!.
The grasshopper techniques used by a number of prominent MPs over the past years is uncalled for at this time. We have a new government and the members of the current government are mandated by the people of their constituencies to be their leader for the next 4 years. Lets see what this goverment can do or deliver for this Nation. We have high profile educated MPs in the last government and the past governments but what Have they done for this Nation? There are quite alot of issues that need to be addressed but over the years our elected leaders seem to be their for their own personal interests which is a draw back for our country over the years. I want to see real rural development in the country and not just talking much about it and doing nothing just like we experienced with the outgoing governments. Its not about who is capable of being the Primeminister or a cabinet minister its all about what you can do or what this government can do for this country.
Congratulations to you Hon.D.Philip and your government You have been Mandated to Govern this country for the Next 4 years and We look forward for your Governments role in ensuring that your policy and plans are being implemented.
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