BY JOY OFASIA
Member for Maringe-Kokota and Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon Cathy Nori, has spoken strongly about the need for political stability in Solomon Islands during the recent Motion of No Confidence debate in Parliament in Honiara.
Speaking on 7 April, Hon Nori said she was concerned about the number of motions raised against the government since it first came into office. She said the repeated political changes were affecting public confidence and creating uncertainty for ordinary families across the country.
“As a newcomer in politics, coming into this honourable House and seeing motions moved almost every six months since the beginning, I need to know exactly the reasons behind these motions,” she said.
Hon Nori said many people around the country were paying attention to what leaders were doing inside Parliament. She said mothers, young people and children wanted to see leaders working together instead of fighting for power.
“Our people are watching us. They are wondering why there is instability almost every six months and why leaders are still not satisfied,” she said.
The Minister said the political instability showed the need for constitutional changes, especially to stop Members of Parliament from moving from one political side to another.
“The instability is because of members jumping from here to there. This is why amending the Constitution is very important,” she stated.
Hon Nori also questioned comments made by the mover of the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) Hon. Frederick Kologeto about leadership concerns inside government. She asked why concerns were not solved within Cabinet and government caucus meetings before leading to a motion of no confidence.
“For the past months, Hon Kologeto has been the Deputy Prime Minister, and I ask why decisions were not made within Cabinet and the caucus,” she said.
She said political stability was important for the government to continue delivering services and programs for women, youth and children.
“We need stability to do good things for our women, youth and children in this country,” Hon Nori said.
The motion later passed with 26 votes supporting it, 22 against, and two members absent. Hon Nori was among those who voted against the motion. Parliament is expected to elect a new Prime Minister on 15 May following the removal of former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Many families said they hoped leaders would now focus on schools, clinics, jobs and community safety instead of political struggles, because citizens were tired of uncertainty and wanted leaders to work.
