Proposed constitutional amendment extending deadline for constituent assembly fails in Solomon Islands

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. [ . . . ] 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.
Read the full article here: Solomon Star