May 2, 2024 5:41 PM

Solomon Islands picks China-friendly Manele as new prime minister

Solomon Islands lawmakers selected Jeremiah Manele as their new prime minister on Thursday, elevating the former foreign minister who has pledged to continue the Pacific Island nation's international policy that drew it closer to China. Manele won 31 votes to Opposition leader Matthew Wales' 18 votes in the 50-seat parliament, Governor General Sir David Vunagi announced outside parliament house. A national election last month saw incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's government lose hal...