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HONIARA - An anti-corruption watchdog in the Solomon Islands has called on the island nation's governor-general to explain a long delay in the appointment of a new ombudsman.
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) said the post had been vacant for six months despite a suitable candidate being identified by a selection panel appointed under the Constitution.
The panel's recommendation went to Governor-General Nathaniel Waena.
"The silent but apparent failure of the office of the governor-general to act on this advice is extremely disturbing," TSI said in a statement.
"Under our Constitution, the ombudsman is intended to be the watchdog of all citizens' rights, so any interference in the proper process of this appointment is of grave concern."
TSI said it understood that the parliamentary Speaker Peter Kenilorea, who was on the selection panel, had lodged an application with the High Court on the matter due to the delay in making the appointment.
"It is understood that the Speaker was forced into this unfortunate step after the position of Ombudsman was re-advertised despite a suitable candidate having been identified for the post last November."
The government of Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has vigorously pushed for changes in key judicial positions since coming to power in May, bringing it into conflict with the Public Service Commission over appointments and suspensions.
Former attorney-general Primo Afeau was forced from office last year in favour of Australian lawyer Julian Moti who is wanted in Australia to face child sex charges.
Moti's appointment was suspended by the Public Service Commission in light of the serious charges against him.
In October, Solicitor-General Nathan Moshinsky, an Australian, was forced to leave the Solomons after threats against him.
In December, the Solomons government declared Police Commissioner Shane Castles, also Australian, an undesirable migrant and blocked him from returning from recreational leave in Australia.
- AAP
