Solomon Islands lawmakers elect former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manale as new prime minister

Published May 1, 2024 8:04 PM

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Solomon Islands lawmakers have chosen former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manale as the new prime minister of the South Pacific island nation that has grown closer to China in recent years. The withdrawal of pro-Beijing former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from the contest to remain head of the government to make way for Manale as their party’s candidate is an indication the country could follow a similar direction. The prime minister was chosen Thursday in a secret ballot of 49 lawmakers who won general elections on April 17. Governor General David Vunagi said Manale received 31 votes.

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