Solomon Islands - Government



Under the independence constitution of 1978, the Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy with a ministerial system and a unicameral national parliament, consisting of 50 members elected to four-year terms; suffrage is universal for citizens over the age of 21. The prime minister, who must command a parliamentary majority, selects the 20-member cabinet. The head of state is the British monarch, represented by the governor-general. Governor-general since 1994, Sir Moses Pitakaka, was replaced in May 1999 by Anglican priest Father John Lapli, who was elected by the national parliament over six other candidates, including Pitakaka. There is a constitutionally provided Ombudsman to provide protection against improper administrative treatment.

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