Representatives of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), the Political Parties Commission, civil society and political parties have joined regional leaders at a conference in Fiji to discuss political and parliamentary stability.
The conference, titled “Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 in Melanesia: Creating Political and Parliamentary Stability to Catalyse Development”, brings together leaders and decision makers from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tonga and Fiji as well as a number of prominent regional academics.
UNDP’s Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in Solomon Islands Program (SECSIP) is supporting the Solomon Islands delegation to the conference.
The delegation includes the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, Opposition Leader Jeremiah Manele, Leader of the Independent Group, Hon. Derick Sikua as well as political party leaders Hon. Danny Phillip, Hon. Derrick Manua’ari and Allan Tarohania.
Chairman of the Political Parties Commission, Sir Paul Tovua and SIEC Principal Administrative Officer Freddie Bosoboe are also attending the conference along with Transparency Solomon Islands Executive Officer Ruth Liloqula and Josephine Taekeni of Vois Blo Mere.
The conference will examine the link between development and political stability, focusing on factors that can impact on stability including constitutions, electoral systems, political and cultural dynamics and parliamentary rules.
The conference will also discuss votes of no confidence, the growth of constituency development funds in the region and the role of international partners.
“The conference will be a fantastic opportunity to share our experiences in promoting political stability”, SIEC Principal Administrative Officer Freddie Bosoboe said.
“While each country faces its own unique challenges, there is much that we can learn from each other.”
The Solomon Islands delegation will be taking a lead role in the conference discussions with Hon. Jeremíah Manele invited to join a panel discussion on constituency development funds, Mrs. Ruth Liloqula joining the panel on no confidence motions and Sir Paul Tovua participating in a panel discussion on political reform.
UNDP has convened the conference as part of its work to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16).
SDG16 is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
