PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has expressed disappointment on members of Parliament (MPs) for non-attendance in important workshops that contribute to decision making and policy matters.

The Prime Minister was referring to a workshop organised by the Electoral Reform Taskforce for members of parliament after the first white paper was tabled in August last year.

This is to hear inputs from them regarding the proposed new election system for the Solomon Islands.

“It is on that note I expressed my disappointment and what I observed to be a deliberate and continual non-attendance to important consultation meeting organized for members of parliament on very important policy matters.”

Speaking in parliament yesterday, Mr Sogavare said a lot of reservations raised in this week’s debate on the second white paper could have been expressed then.

“But as I say we can’t cry over spilt milk,” he said.

Mr Sogavare said discussions could have benefited from the inputs of more members if they care to appreciate their responsibility as leaders entrusted to make important decisions for the country.

“But this is not what I see from most MPs, we must take more interest in our responsibility entrusted upon us.”

The workshop was organised for all Members of Parliament to meet and express views on the system that would meet the minimum of acceptance.

But the Prime Minister was pleased with contribution on the debate on the second white paper this week which attracted more than 24 members of parliament

“I am pleased that the standard and quality of debates that the Motion has attracted. This is the kind and level of discussion I was expecting during MPs workshop,” he adds.

The parliament yesterday resolved to a committee of the whole house yesterday where the Report on the Second white paper has gone through page by page.

The second white paper provides an update on the work the Electoral Reform Task Force has undertaken following parliament’s consideration of the first white paper in May 2016.

It provides a firm recommendation on the new election system that should replace the First-Past-The-Post election system; and

To share feedback gathered throughout the country on the issues of Women in Parliament and the introduction of an Anti-defection measures.

Majority of members spoke in support of the paper in parliament yesterday but proposed a proper consultation be reached with the public before enactment.