Constitution rules out jailed Solomons MP incumbency

11/07/2008 08:03:19

The speaker of Solomon Islands' parliament says jailed former MP Charles Dausabea lost his seat under a constitutional rule.

Mr Dausabea was jailed earlier this month after losing an appeal against 2001 charges of conversion of funds, and a by-election will now be held to find a replacement for his vacated East Honiara seat.

Speaker of Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, says Mr Dausabea automatically lost his seat because his jail sentence exceeded a six month limit set in the Solomons constitution.

Mr Dausabea was jailed for more than 18 months on corruption charges.

Sir Peter told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program the case shows members of parliament are not above the law.

"We've always heard, it's said in Parliament and outside of Parliament, that no one is above the law and it certainly would be advisable of our leaders to be aware of that," Sir Peter said.

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