HONIARA: Solomon Islands’ lawmakers on Thursday elected China-friendly former foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as prime minister, choosing him over an opposition leader intent on curbing Beijing’s reach in the Pacific nation.
Manele’s victory in Thursday’s parliamentary vote marks a departure from the leadership of incumbent Manasseh Sogavare and signals continuity in the country’s alignment with Beijing.
Manele secured 31 votes in a secret ballot of the 50-member Parliament, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale, who received 18 votes, according to Governor-General David Vunagi. Manele’s election caps off a closely watched national election process that has drawn attention from global powers such as China, the United States, and Australia, given Solomon Islands’ strategic location in the South Pacific.
Following his election, Manele expressed gratitude for the peaceful proceedings. He emphasized the importance of unity and progress for the nation. Manele, a career diplomat who previously served as foreign minister, is expected to maintain Solomon Islands’ recent pivot toward China.
Under Manele’s leadership, Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan in 2019 and established diplomatic relations with Beijing, signaling a significant shift in foreign policy. Manele’s victory comes after incumbent Sogavare withdrew from the contest amid dwindling popularity and concerns over his divisive leadership style.
Manele has pledged to lead a government focused on national unity and economic recovery, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has highlighted priorities such as implementing a value-added tax and addressing regulations concerning the use of national resources.
While Manele’s election suggests continuity in Solomon Islands’ relationship with China, traditional allies such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have expressed readiness to collaborate with the new government. The United States State Department welcomed the opportunity to strengthen ties with Solomon Islands under Manele’s leadership, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations.
