Solomon Islands Parliament complex. Photo: Facebook / National Parliament of Solomon Islands
Schools in Honiara, Solomon Islands, have been permitted to close on Tuesday as the nation's parliament is set to resume for a motion of no confidence against the prime minister.
SIBC reported the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development made the decision following requests from Honiara-based education provider officers.
Education permanent secretary Dr Franco Rodie said such situations as the current political one are unpredictable, so it is safer for students to remain at home.
"We are giving education providers the final decision, so it looks like all the schools within Honiara will be closed."
Parliament is set to resume at 9:30am local time (10:30am New Zealand time).
On Monday last week, parliament adjourned due to a lack of quorum after only sixteen out of 49 MPs were present in the House.
Later that day, clerk of parliament Jefferson Hallu confirmed that Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo submitted no-confidence a motion against the prime minister.
On Tuesday, Speaker Sir Patterson Oti informed parliament that a special motion of adjournment had to be moved, as under standing orders the motion of no confidence is a matter of public urgency.
Opposition leader Matthew Wale said Manele should step down immediately instead of dealing with the motion.
However, Sir Patterson said, "The Prime Minister is still prime minister until he is out of the office."
Manele appealed for calm and urged people to respect the democratic process, and confirmed he would not step down before the date for the vote of no confidence.
Ten MPs - including five senior ministers - have resigned from Manele's Government of National Unity (GNUT).
Manele, 57, is a former foreign minister and was elected prime minister on 2 May 2024, succeeding Manasseh Sogavare.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force said it is closely monitoring the political situation.
Lilo also moved a no-confidence vote in the prime minister last December, but withdrew it on the floor of parliament due to a lack of support.
