CJ to deliver decision on strikeout application tomorrow (Wednesday)

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer will deliver his decision at 9am tomorrow on the much awaited ‘strikeout application’ regarding the Constitutional amendment on the extension of the parliament.

The Registrar of High Court has given notice of the hearing on Wednesday to the parties.

The high court started hearing into the constitutional challenge by the Independent Group on 27^th July. On the same day, the defendants declared their intention to strike out the case.

The first defendant is Speaker of Parliament, the second defendant is the Prime Minister and the Governor General is named as the third defendant.

There are several issues that the Leader of Independent John Kuku had raised – key amongst them was whether or not two separate readings required of Parliament to alter a provision of the constitution under Section 61 (3) of the constitution requires two separate readings of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022, can take place at the Third Reading?

In their submissions last week, the defendants argue that the issues raised by the Leader of Independent are frivolous, vexatious, lack reasonable cause of action, and amount to an abuse of the court’s processes.

However, Billy Titiulu representing Kuku contended that the proceedings and inquiries initiated are not vexatious and, in fact, present a reasonable cause of action. He urged the court to proceed in a normal manner being with section 61 of the constitution.

The amendment to the constitution will now see elections to be held in April 2024 after parliament was extended by seven months to allow for the hosting of the Pacific Games 2023, which is the key argument of the government.

Tomorrow’s ruling is critical as it end the case or it will proceed for further trial.

“BUSINESS AS USUAL IN HONIARA” – RSIPF

Meanwhile, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) wishes to advise the general public especially in Honiara that it’s “business as usual.

“Police would like to assure the general public that there is no anticipation of any problems to happen during the handing out of the decision. Police is ready to deal with any person or group who intends to cause any unlawful activity,” it said in a statement.

Deputy Commissioner of the RSIPF, Ian Vaevaso, said business houses, schools, clinics and other essential services to continue as normal.

DC Vaevaso encourages law-abiding citizens of Solomon Islands to remain calm and go about their normal business and lives as usual.

The RSIPF is urging members of the public to pass on any information about anyone planning to disturb the peace and rule of law in our country by contacting a nearest police station or by calling the Police National Centre on phone 23666 or the toll free number (999).