The position is established by the
Constitution of 1978, which has been in force since the country's independence from the
United Kingdom. Article 66 of the Constitution creates the functions of
Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Independent Members, which are separate. (While "
Leader of the Opposition" is a position found throughout the
Commonwealth realms, "Leader of the Independent Members" is specific to Solomon Islands.) Both are officially appointed by the
Governor-General, who appoints as Leader the Member of Parliament recognised as such by the Opposition, or by unaligned Members, respectively. The Governor-General may dismiss the Leader of the Independent Members if it appears he no longer enjoys the support of those members. The Leader of the Independent Members has no specific, constitutionally defined functions.[1]
The following have served as Leader of the Independent Members: