Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands on Thursday (May 2) elected the country's former foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as the new prime minister. Manele's appointment as PM suggests that the Solomon Islands would maintain close ties with China.

Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands on Thursday (May 2) elected the country's former foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as the new prime minister. Manele's appointment as PM suggests that the Solomon Islands would maintain close ties with China. As foreign minister, Manele, 56, travelled to China in 2019 to formalise his country's switch in diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing. “I will discharge my duties diligently and with integrity. I will at all times put the interests of our people and country above all other interests,” Manele said in a speech outside the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the news agency Associated Press reported. The ballot The report said that Manele won 31 votes in a secret ballot of 49 lawmakers who won the general elections last month. Meanwhile, Matthew Wale, who led the opposition in the previous parliament, received the remaining 18 votes. Also read | Local media in Solomon Islands pledged loyalty to China in return for $140k Last month's election saw incumbent PM Manasseh Sogavare's government lose half of its seats but failed to deliver a majority to any political party. Hence, the ruling party (the OUR Party) and the opposition lobbied to win support from independents ahead of the vote for prime minister. Sogavare did not seek re-election to the top post and the OUR Party backed Manele. Manele urges against post-poll violence During his speech outside Parliament, Manele urged citizens against any post-election violence. “Past prime minister’s elections have been met with the act of violence and destruction. Our economy and livelihoods have suffered because of this violence,” the 56-year-old said. “However, today we show the world that we are better than that. We must respect and uphold the democratic process of electing our prime minister and set an example for our children and their children,” he added. The new PM's comments came as Sogavare's election (as PM) in 2019 sparked riots in the capital Honiara over legal questions hanging over his eligibility to become prime minister. More serious riots resulted in arson and looting in Honiara in November 2021 after his leadership survived a no-confidence motion moved by Matthew Wale. Reactions to Manele's appointment as PM Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Mihai Sora, a former diplomat in the Solomon Islands, said that Manele has "a strong track record of working well with all international partners", compared to Sogavare who was "a polarising figure". Australian National University's Pacific expert Graeme Smith said Manele was capable and "a big change in style" for the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Solomon Islands elects ex-foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as new PM

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Solomon Islands elects ex-foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as new PM