The Solomon Islands' top court said on Tuesday it would fast-track a review to decide whether the Pacific island nation's leader will face a vote of no confidence in parliament.

A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was filed this month, after 12 cabinet ministers resigned from his Government for National Unity and Transformation, and two parties quit the governing coalition.

Following the resignations, Manele appointed former leader and staunch Beijing ally Manasseh Sogavare as deputy prime minister, fuelling political instability in the archipelago.

The motion will be put to a vote in the 50-seat chamber, putting a new opposition coalition to the test. The coalition claims it commands a 28-seat majority.

The coalition is seeking orders from the High Court to direct governor general David Tiva Kapu to convene parliament, according to court documents.

Manele has refused, telling Kapu he does not have the power to do so.

"In light of the ongoing constitutional crisis and its severe adverse impacts on the governance of the country and on the people of Solomon Islands, the governor general has the function, and owes a duty to the people of Solomon Islands under the constitution to call a parliament meeting," the court application read.

The parties were instructed to lodge submissions by Wednesday, with the court calling it an "important public interest case".

"Our legal team are very supportive of the chief justice's instructions that high priority must be given to this case," opposition lawmaker Peter Kenilorea Jr said.

Manele was away from the capital on Tuesday, touring the largest province of Malaita.

His office declined to comment, with a spokesperson saying the matter was before the court.

"Public confidence in the justice system must be upheld, and all parties are urged to act responsibly and in the national interest," Manele said in a statement on Monday. (AFP)



Edited by Thomas McAlinden