Governor-General of the Solomon Islands

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Governor-General of the Solomon Islands
Viceroy
IslasSalomon-escudo.jpg
Coat of Arms of the Solomon Islands
Incumbent:
Sir Frank Kabui
GCMG CSI OBE
since 7 July 2009
Style: His Excellency
Appointed by: Queen Elizabeth II
as Queen of the Solomon Islands
First: Sir Baddeley Devesi
Formation: 7 July 1978
Term length: At Her Majesty's pleasure
Solomon Islands
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This article is part of the series:
Politics and government of
the Solomon Islands

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The Governor-General of Solomon Islands is the representative of the Queen of Solomon Islands, Elizabeth II. The Queen does not reside in the islands, and so the Governor-General serves as the country's de facto head of state in her absence.

Solomon Islands is a Commonwealth realm which has retained the monarchy of the nation's former colonial power, the United Kingdom, as its own distinct monarchy. The Governors-General of most other Commonwealth realms are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister of each realm. However, in Solomon Islands, the Governor-General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the National Parliament to a five-year term. In practice, this means that the Governor-General is elected by the parliament.

Though the office holds considerable reserve powers, it is largely a symbolic figurehead position with little day-to-day involvement in government.

The current Governor-General is Sir Frank Kabui, a former High Court judge,[1] who was elected on 15 June 2009 after four rounds of voting. Kabui polled 30 votes, Edmund Andresen eight votes and the outgoing Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena seven votes.[2] His term will end on 7 July 2014.

Prior to the country's independence and the establishment of this office, the islands were governed by a Governor and the Executive Council.

Governors-General of the Solomon Islands

Name Term Sovereign Notes
1 Sir Baddeley Devesi 7 July 1978 – 7 July 1988 Queen Elizabeth II Served as Governor-General for two consecutive terms.
2 Sir George Lepping 7 July 1988 – 7 July 1994
3 Sir Moses Pitakaka 7 July 1994 – 7 July 1999
4 Sir John Lapli 7 July 1999 – 7 July 2004 Held as hostage by the MEF rebels for a few days in June 2000.
5 Sir Nathaniel Waena 7 July 2004 – 7 July 2009
6 Sir Frank Kabui 7 July 2009 – Present

References

  1. ^ "Frank Kabui the new Governor General in Solomon Islands". Radio New Zealand International. 
  2. ^ "Frank Kabui is New Governor General". Solomon Times. 15 June 2009. 

See also

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