The Government has downplayed claims by a new coalition that it commands the support of 28 members, as displayed in the media.
This follows the recent resignation of 19 members from the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), who have joined the Opposition and Independent Group.
Speaking to the media at a press conference on Sunday, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said he is aware of public statements and photographs suggesting a new political majority.
“These form part of healthy democratic debate.
“However, a photograph is only a snapshot in time,” he said.
“A vote in Parliament is the constitutional determination.
“Until Parliament meets, the Executive retains the legal and democratic mandate to govern,” he said.
“At all times, we remain grounded in the Constitution, the supreme law of our land.
“The confidence of Parliament in a Prime Minister is tested and determined only through a motion of no confidence on the floor of Parliament,” he said.
“This means that unless and until Parliament meets and decides on such a motion, the elected Prime Minister remains duly in office,” he added.
“The Governor-General acts in accordance with the Constitution, including on the advice of the Prime Minister in relation to the convening of Parliament.
“All processes will continue to uphold the dignity and integrity of our constitutional framework,” he said.
Attorney General John Muria Junior said numbers alone are merely a numerical concept.
“That is not a legal status in itself.
“Any group can claim a majority until it is formally demonstrated on the floor of Parliament,” he said.
“That is a political assumption, not a constitutional fact,” he added.
Prime Minister Manele said he respects the decision of the leaders who have resigned from the government.
“That is their choice — their political choice.
“And I respect that,” he said.
“We have mechanisms within government.
“We have caucus and Cabinet — these are forums where differences can be discussed.
“But they have decided to take that approach,” he said.
“And I respect that approach.
“Their choice,” he added.
