Maelanga is now new Leader of Independent

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The MP for East Malaita and a former Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga is now the new Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament.

Maelanga was one of the government ministers who defected to the Opposition group during the May political upheaval resulting in the withdrawal of the Motion of No Confidence Against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Though some other members have returned to rejoin the government, Maelanga and some others remain with the Opposition camp.

However, this morning, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Morris Toiraena, informed Parliament of the appointment of Maelanga as the new Leader of the Independent Group.

He advised that, pursuant to Section 66(2) of the Constitution, His Excellency the Governor-General had, on 6 June 2025, appointed the Member of Parliament for East Malaita Hon. Maelanga as the Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament.

He replaces Peter Kenilorea Jr. who held the position prior to Maelanga’s appointment.

SBM understands that Kenilorea’s party, United Party, now has only two MPs so he does not command the numbers to lead the Independent Group compared to Maelanga who now leads the MPs who switched to the Opposition during the recent political instability.