A third Motion of No Confidence is expected to be tabled against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele when Parliament resumes on Monday, 13th October 2025, driven by the controversial sufferance wharves saga and a deteriorating government financial situation.
PM Manele has survived two previous motions—both initiated by Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo on 16th December 2024 and 5th May, 2025—but both were withdrawn before formal debate. Sources now suggest Lilo’s group is preparing a third motion with renewed determination, aiming to secure the 26 MPs needed to unseat the government.
The controversy escalated after former Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma suspended operations at sufferance wharves on 21st August 2025, banning the unloading of imported goods while allowing exports.
Kuma was later reshuffled to the Ministry of Commerce and replaced by Trevor Manemahaga, who reportedly revoked the suspension.
A private investigation allegedly linked Kuma to Lee Kwok Kuen, the company owning Leroy Wharf Port—the only port allowed to unload cement during the suspension.
Reports indicated that employees of Lee Kwok Kuen have been constructing a $11 million warehouse for Kuma along Mbokona Road using unmarked vehicles and plainclothes workers.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) condemned unauthorized wharf operations, noting that they violate the Customs and Excise Act and the Lands and Titles Act, and pose a threat to society.
The government is also grappling with declining revenue, leaving ministries struggling to meet operational expenses—a situation fueling dissent within the ruling coalition.
Internal discussions within the GNUT coalition are reportedly underway to consider replacing PM Manele upon his return from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly, while Acting PM Fredrick Kologeto returns from Canada on 8th October.
However, finding a suitable replacement has proven challenging due to political dynamics within both GNUT and opposition factions, it was revealed.
The motion is expected to be submitted around 5th–6th October, ahead of Parliament resuming on 13th October.
The political battle over leadership and parliamentary support is intensifying as stakeholders position themselves ahead of a potentially decisive vote.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
