Solomon Islands lawmakers have chosen a pro-China candidate as prime minister, in an indication that the Pacific nation will continue to be a close ally of Beijing.
Jeremiah Manele won the prime ministerial vote on Thursday, defeating his opponent Matthew Wale on a count of 31-18.
He will succeed former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, a fervent critic of the West.
Manele was foreign minister in 2019 when the Solomon Islands opted to transfer its long-standing diplomatic recognition of Taiwan to China – a move that shocked regional neighbors.
He has already indicated that he will continue the country’s close ties with China – including the island’s secret defense and security pact. Opposition candidates have suggested that the agreement could be revoked or at least have all its details released to the public.
But analysts also expect Manele to adopt a less confrontational approach toward the Solomon Islands’ traditional Western partners, such as Australia, than his predecessor. He is also seen as a more diplomatic communicator.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the first to congratulate Manele on Wednesday, saying he looked forward to working closely with the new leader.
“Australia and the Solomon Islands are close friends and our futures are linked,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Voters elected MPs across the country in the April vote, but the prime minister and leadership are determined by elected representatives in a vote that took place on Thursday morning.
In a surprise move, Mr Sogavare chose not to take part in the race for prime minister last week, after his party received weaker than expected results in the April 17 general election.
Instead, he formed a new coalition and supported Manele as the party’s candidate for prime minister.
Sogavare became an increasingly polarizing figure during his five years in office, during which China rapidly increased investment in the country.
He supported Manele as the new leader addressed the press on Thursday following his victory.
“I will always put the interests of our people and our country above all others,” said Manele.
He also noted that the elections took place peacefully – the Solomon Islands has previously experienced violence and street riots after voting.
Hundreds of police and military officers from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea have been stationed in the country since last month as a peacekeeping force.
“Today we show the world that we are better than that – we must respect the democratic process to elect our prime minister,” said Manele.
He said his government would aim to improve the economic situation of local residents who have suffered increases in the cost of living.
Around 700,000 people live in this impoverished country, made up of hundreds of islands.
More than 80% live outside the capital Honiara and do not have easy access to basic services such as electricity, schools, medical clinics and public transport.
