Cathy Nori has been nominated for the position of Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament.
Cathy Nori has been nominated for the position of Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands by the Manele-led Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
The previous Deputy Speaker, Francis Sade, vacated the position after his appointment as Minister for Public Service.
If elected, Nori will become the first woman to hold the role of Deputy Speaker. She is one of three women parliamentarians in the 12th Parliament.
Nori also serves as the deputy chairlady of the Caucus, marking another first as the first female MP to hold this position.
Additionally, two other female MPs currently serve as ministers. Choylin Yim Douglas is the Minister for Culture and Tourism, while Freda Rotutafi Rangirei is the Minister for Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs.
Nori represents the Maringe Kokota constituency in Isabel Province.
The Deputy Speaker presides over parliamentary sessions in the Speaker’s absence. To maintain neutrality, the Deputy Speaker must remain independent and impartial, ensuring fair parliamentary proceedings. The role requires the individual to refrain from holding a ministerial position to preserve impartiality. The Deputy Speaker’s duties include upholding parliamentary rules, maintaining fairness, and ensuring that all members follow established procedures.
Source: OPMC Press Secretariat
