The Dangers of Political Party Strengthening Legislation in Solomon Islands

Abstract

The Solomon Islands government is considering introducing laws aimed at strengthening political parties, restricting members of parliament (MPs) from switching sides and halting excessive use of ‘noconfidence’ motions. The government wants to: 1) abolish the constitutional position of the ‘Leader of the Independents’;2 2) reform the process of the selection of prime ministers; and 3) build a more coherent party system by adopting legislation similar to that experimented with in Papua New Guinea.3 The aim is to increase political stability and give prime ministers and cabinets an opportunity to implement their policies without having to focus continually on sustaining fragile coalitions, or on attracting opposition members to cross the floor to strengthen governments.