The Solomon Islands prime minister has offered assurances any changes to the constitution to extend his time in office would be a one-time move, Australia’s Pacific minister says.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has moved to change the constitution to extend his term in government until after the Pacific Games in November 2023.
The island nation’s opposition has branded the move a power grab, saying elections would be able to take place alongside preparations for the games.
Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said he was assured by Mr Sogavare the passing of the bill would be a one-off move and the election cycle would return to normal following the games.
“We welcome the assurance from the prime minister and language of the bill that ensures if this is passed, it will be a one-off and its schedule for elections returns to the normal four-year cycle,” Mr Conroy told ABC radio on Wednesday.
“We believe that having regular election cycles is a key aspect of democratic norms and values which we share across the region.
“Ultimately, this is a question for the democratically elected members of the Solomon Islands parliament and people of the Solomon Islands and we are going to respect the internal processes of neighbouring countries.”
Australia supported the Papua New Guinea government in conducting its recent elections, including through partnerships with local police and defence forces.
Mr Conroy said Canberra was open to discussing further assistance amid unrest in the country ahead of the re-election of James Marape.
The minister’s comments come as Australia continues to leverage its diplomacy in the Pacific to ward off any Chinese military presence in the Solomon Islands following strengthening ties between Beijing and Honiara.
Taking assurances by both China and the Solomon Islands of no foreign military bases at face value, acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said Australia would be able to maintain its position as Honiara’s security partner of choice.
“We want to build our relationship with Solomon Islands. It’s a fundamentally important country for Australia,” he told AAP.
Mr Marles, who doubles as the defence minister, said any Chinese military presence in the Pacific would drastically change Australia’s national security dynamic.
“We do welcome the comments that have been made by both China and Solomon Islands in saying there will not be a military base,” he said.
“But we fundamentally believe that by putting in the effort, by building our relationship with Solomon Islands, by thinking about the issues of their own development we can be and continue to be the natural partner of choice.”
