Constitution

Solomon Islands 1978 Constitution (reviewed 2018)

Table of Contents

CHAPTER IV. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

27. Establishment of office of Governor-General

  1. There shall be a Governor-General of Solomon Islands who shall be appointed by the Head of State in accordance with an address from Parliament and who shall be the representative of the Head of State in Solomon Islands.
  2. A person shall not be qualified for appointment to the office of Governor-General unless he is qualified for election as a member of Parliament under Chapter VI of this Constitution.
  3. The office of Governor-General shall become vacant—
    1. at the expiration of five years from the date of his appointment; or
    2. if he is removed from office by the Head of State, in accordance with an address from Parliament supported by the votes of at least two-thirds of all the members thereof, for misbehaviour or for such other cause as may be prescribed by Parliament.
  4. No person may be appointed as Governor-General for more than two terms of office.

28. Acting Governor-General

Whenever the office of Governor-General is vacant or the holder of the office is absent from Solomon Islands or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, those functions shall be performed by the Speaker or, if the office of Speaker is vacant or the holder of that office is likewise absent or unable to perform those functions, by the Chief Justice.

29. Oaths to be taken by Governor-General

A person appointed to the office of Governor-General or assuming the functions of that office under the preceding section shall, before entering upon the duties of that office, take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and the oath of office as prescribed in Schedule 1 to this Constitution, such oaths being administered by the Chief Justice or such other judge of the High Court or the Court of Appeal as may be designated by the Chief Justice.