Jeremiah Manele has been elected the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands following a secret ballot on Thursday. Manele, who currently serves as the foreign minister, has vowed to maintain the nation’s foreign policy, which has seen it forge closer ties with China. The announcement was made outside the parliament house by Governor General Sir David Vunagi, revealing that Manele secured 31 votes, whereas Opposition leader Matthew Wales got 18 votes.
Security measures were heightened in the capital city of Honiara as newly elected lawmakers convened at the parliament to cast their votes, news agency Reuters reported. Last month’s national election did not yield a majority for any political party, leading to intense lobbying from two factions seeking support from independent members ahead of the prime ministerial vote.
The outcomes of the election carry apparent regional implications, with China, US, neighbouring Australia closely monitoring developments. This heightened interest stems from the security pact Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare struck with China in 2022 during his tenure.
Sogvare, who cultivated strong ties with Beijing over five years in office, opted not to seek re-election, with his party throwing its support behind Manel.
Addressing reporters outside the parliament, Manele said, “We must show the World that we are better than that”.
“Today, we must respect the democratic process of electing our Prime Minister,” Manele said while citing past instances of post-election violence in the Solomon Islands, as reported by Reuters.
According to the report, Manele further outlined plans for the government to focus on economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 anti-government riots. Manele also indicated forthcoming policies in taxation, forestry, and minerals, the report added.
Manele’s OUR party secured 15 seats in the election and bolstered its position with four additional seats through coalition agreements with two smaller parties. However, to attain a majority in the 50-seat parliament, support from independent players was necessary. Out of a total of 49 votes cast, one lawmaker was absent.
Having entered [arlaiment in 2014, Manele is a former diplomat who played an essential role in formalising the Solomon Islands’ diplomatic shift from Taiwan to Beijing during his tenure as Foreign Minister in 2019.
Manele, in reaffirming the country’s foreign policy direction, stated, “We will maintain the same foreign policy basis – friends to all and enemies to none”.