SPEAKER of Parliament Sir Allan Kemakeza has resigned to contest the Savo-Russell seat in the November 19 election.
Sir Allan told the Solomon Star yesterday, he took the decision at the request of his people.
“Yes, I can confirm that I have resigned and that the decision was based on request of my people to represent them again in parliament,” he said.
Sir Allan, a former police officer, had previously served the Savo-Russell people in parliament for five terms.
He was also a former prime minister, who was credited for bringing RAMSI into Solomon Islands.
He lost the seat in the last election to Dickson Mua.
Sir Allan said he is optimistic of returning to parliament to continue to serve the people of Savo-Russell.
National Parliament yesterday confirmed Sir Allan’s resignation.
It explained the Constitution does not stipulate what would happen to the Speaker’s Office when the Speaker resigned, however, Section 65 of the Constitution states: “Provided that at the first sitting of Parliament after any general election, until a Speaker is elected there shall preside the person who last held office as Speaker or, in his absence, the person who last held office as Deputy Speaker.”
The election of a new Speaker is expected to take place at the first sitting of the next House.
By OFANI EREMAE