Former top diplomat elected Solomon Islands' new prime minister

ANKARA

Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele was elected as the Solomon Islands' next prime minister on Thursday after vote in the country's Parliament.

Manele, who served as top diplomat under former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, defeated former opposition leader Matthew Wale in a vote of 31 to 18 out of 50 lawmakers, Governor General David Vunagi said in comments aired live.

One lawmaker was absent during the vote.

Earlier this week, Sogavare had announced he would not contest the top position, paving the way for Manele to secure the government helm.

"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 told reporters after his election.

He emphasized that reviewing the nation's budget and building infrastructure would be a priority, along with investment in forestry, minerals, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism.

While no political party holds a majority in Parliament after the country's latest general elections on April 17, former Premier Sogavare's party won 15 out of 50 seats.

Sogavare's Ownership, United and Responsibility party was followed by the Coalition for Accountability, Reform and Empowerment (CARE) with 13 seats, while the United Party won seven seats, Peoples First Party (SIPFP) three, and the Kandere Party and Party for Rural Advancement one each.

Manela won under the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation (CNUT) banner, which was joined by lawmakers outside of Sogavare's party.

Independent candidates secured a total of 10 seats.

The election to the nation's 12th parliament was closely watched by China and the US as they seek to expand their influence in the Asia-Pacific region, where the Solomon Islands holds a strategic location.

This was the first election since Sogavare shifted diplomatic relations to Beijing from Taiwan in 2019. His government signed a security pact with China, which triggered backlash from neighboring Australia and its allies, including the US.

The results took roughly a week to announce, as the nation is spread over 900 islands.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid