Solomon Islands · Constitution
Constitution of Solomon Islands
Given effect by the Solomon Islands Independence Order 1978 and in force from 7 July 1978. Chapter II sets out fundamental rights and freedoms, enforceable in the High Court under section 18. Schedule 3 lists the sources of law and expressly includes customary law, which prevails over the common law where the two conflict. Amendments require a two-thirds majority of all members of Parliament, and entrenched provisions require three-quarters. A long-running federalism review has not produced a new constitution.
The constitutional text
Given effect by the Solomon Islands Independence Order 1978 and in force from 7 July 1978. Chapter II sets out fundamental rights and freedoms, enforceable in the High Court under section 18. Schedule 3 lists the sources of law and expressly includes customary law, which prevails over the common law where the two conflict. Amendments require a two-thirds majority of all members of Parliament, and entrenched provisions require three-quarters. A long-running federalism review has not produced a new constitution.
Separation of powers
Unitary with statutory decentralisation. Nine provinces plus Honiara City have assemblies under the Provincial Government Act 1997 exercising powers delegated by Parliament, not entrenched by the Constitution. Proposals for a federal structure have been debated since the conflict but never enacted.
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