Solomon Islands chooses Jeremiah Manele as new prime minister
Jeremiah Manele was selected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands in a secret ballot, winning 31 votes. The election followed a national election that did not deliver a majority to any political party. Manele, who has pledged to continue the nation’s foreign policy favoring China, received support from the incumbent Prime Minister’s party. The election was closely watched by China, the U.S., and Australia due to its potential impact on regional security. Manele’s party won 15 seats and formed a coalition with two micro parties to gain majority support in the 50-seat parliament.