Six Members of Parliament (MPs) from Western Province in the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) have expressed their disappointment following the defeat of the Constituent Assembly Meeting Amendment Bill 2024.
The bill, which required a majority of 37 votes in Parliament, narrowly failed with only 36 of the 50 MPs voted.
Among GNUT members, 31 supported the bill, two were absent, and three voted against it. Fourteen MPs did not attend the vote.
The bill sought to extend the deadline for convening the Constituent Assembly from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
It also proposed increasing the assembly’s membership from 80 to 100 members. The Constituent Assembly’s primary goal is to consult on transitioning from the current unitary system, inherited from Great Britain, to a federal system.
The six Western Province MPs—representing Marovo, South Vella La Vella, North Vella La Vella, Shortland, Ranonga Simbo, and Gizo Kolombangara—criticized their colleagues for failing to support this crucial legislation.
They described the absence and abstention of some MPs from Western Province as a betrayal of the collective aspirations of their constituents for greater self-determination and autonomy.
Particularly concerning, they said, was the deliberate abstention of MPs from North New Georgia, South New Georgia Rendova Tetepare, and West New Georgia – Vona Vona.
This decision, they argued, prioritized personal and political agendas over the long-standing goal of advancing decentralization and provincial autonomy.
The defeated amendment bill was seen as a pivotal step toward empowering provincial governments and improving service delivery in Western Province.
The absence of key voices during this critical vote represents not just a missed opportunity but also a failure to honor the sacrifices made by past and present leaders advocating for provincial autonomy.
For the people of Western Province, this outcome is more than a legislative setback. It underscores the consequences of leadership that prioritizes personal gain over collective progress. The MPs’ failure to fully support the bill reflects a disregard for the vision of autonomy and the efforts made to achieve it.
Advancing autonomy is not merely a political objective; it is a commitment to bringing government services closer to the people. When leaders fail to put aside personal politics, they compromise this vision and hinder the progress their constituents deserve.
The absent MPs must reflect deeply on their actions. Their constituents deserve accountability and assurances that their leaders will prioritize their best interests. Moving forward, the journey toward decentralization and greater autonomy demands unity, selflessness, and a steadfast commitment to the future of Western Province and its people.
