Premier Salini refuses to resign amid political instability

By Alfred Pagepitu

Premier of Central Islands province Michael Salini has taken a bold stand announcing his intention that he will not resign from the Premier’s position despite the current political instability within the assembly.

The Premier Salini led government is now ruling with a minority of six members over seven non executive members.

This comes after two members resigned from the executive and joined the non executive group.

The non executive group with the majority of members is now demanding the resignation of the premier.

However, Premier Salini maintained his stand that he will not resign from his position as premier citing that a motion of no confidence cannot be initiated within 12 months.

Central Provincial Assembly faces political disorder as budget deadline approaches

This morning (Tuesday) Speaker of the Central Province Assembly, Francis Moah convened an urgent meeting to tackle pressing budgetary issues and the political instability surrounding Premier Salini’s government.

With only seven of the 13 assembly members present, concerns are mounting over the assembly’s ability to pass the crucial budget due for revision in November.

“Once you have the numbers, it’s time to act,” he stated, stressing the urgency as the assembly gears up for critical votes in the coming months.

Moah also pointed to a looming motion of no confidence against Premier Salini, warning that action must be taken before the situation deteriorates further.

“The assembly must revise the current budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year in November or early December, with implications for the original budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year due in March.”

In a bid to reinforce his position, Moah invoked a 1993 High Court ruling, asserting that one member can constitute an absolute majority in a 47-seat Parliament.

He said the meeting was prompted by a call from seven members of the assembly, who invoked Section 58 of the Standing Orders to find solutions to the ongoing political stalemate.

“This judgment has been in place for 31 years. Why hasn’t it been applied?” he questioned, urging the Attorney General for clarity on the matter.

He called on the Attorney General to uphold this precedent, expressing concern that failure to act could lead to significant financial losses, including a potential shortfall of more than $10 million in the Provincial Development Capacity Fund (PCDF).

However, the Premier’s group boycotted the session, raising further tensions and leading to calls for Salini’s resignation.

The budget under discussion includes over $10 million earmarked for the PCDF and the Provincial Government Support Program which Moah insists must not be jeopardized by political maneuvering.

Meanwhile, Premier Salini based on the advice of the Attorney General said that  the speaker lacks a legal basis for convening this meeting, as he has not provided satisfactory grounds for his call.

“I, along with the Executive, chose not to attend, adhering to the Attorney General’s recommendations regarding the lack of legal basis.”

“Consequently, some Assembly members are planning to convene a meeting to demand my resignation.”

“While I believe it is necessary for me to formally address this request, I encourage those wishing to call for my resignation to submit their requests in writing,” the Premier stated.

He said the meeting raises serious concerns not only about its legal standing but also a waste of time and resources in convening an assembly meeting, which is quite costly.

He calls on members to adhere to the Attorney General’s advice to avoid further complications.

ENDS///