A group of Guadalcanal MPs in the Solomon Islands, including six government members, has signed an agreement to oppose certain government policies, including plans to re-arm police.
The move is a challenge to the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has been expected to face a vote of no-confidence in parliament this Friday.
Four government ministers and two backbench MPs from Guadalcanal signed a resolution along with other Guadalcanal opposition MPs to stand against some government policies.
The leaders resolved to support the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, or RAMSI, against government moves to oust the mission or diminish its powers.
The Guadalcanal people have made it clear through their provincial and national members that they oppose any re-arming of the police.
Meanwhile, four Malaita MPs, who are also opposed to the re-armament plan, have vowed to support the motion against Mr Sogavare.
The plan, spearheaded by Mr Sogavare, has met with widespread opposition by the public.
