Jeremiah Manele Elected as New Prime Minister of Solomon Islands

Jeremiah Manele, the former foreign minister of the Solomon Islands, has been elected as the new prime minister of the country on May 2, 2024. Manele, who supports close ties with China, won the vote in the national parliament, receiving 31 out of 50 votes, defeating the opposition leader Matthew Wale who received 18 votes.

Manele's election is anticipated to maintain the country's foreign policy favoring China, and it is being closely watched by Australia, China, and the United States. As the new prime minister, Manele is likely to be sworn into office later in the day, according to tradition.

The withdrawal of outgoing pro-Beijing Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from the race is seen as an indication that the country could follow a similar direction under Manele's leadership. Manele is described as a "less fiery and combative leader for the West to manage" but will likely continue to pursue close relations with China, having helped broker the controversial security deal with China during his time as foreign minister.

Why this matters: The election of Manele as prime minister of the Solomon Islands has significant geopolitical implications, as it could further China's military aims across the Pacific through security agreements. The outcome is being closely monitored by regional powers like Australia and the United States, who have traditionally dominated the Pacific region.

Manele's OUR party, which has pledged to build more infrastructure, won 15 seats and gained four seats under a renewed coalition with two micro parties. Manele has a strong track record of working well with all international partners, in contrast to the previous prime minister, Sogavare, who was a polarizing figure.

Manele has said he will keep the "same foreign policy basis – friends to all and enemies to none" and focus on improving the economy and the country's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy in Solomon Islands was slowly recovering from the pandemic and 2021 anti-government riots, and the new government would soon unveil tax, forestry, and minerals policies.

While there may not be a notable shift in policy, experts anticipate a shift in tone under Manele's leadership compared to Sogavare's heavy-handed approach. Manele has pledged to form a "government of national unity" that will focus on improving the economy and "progress on our road to recovery" after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways

• Jeremiah Manele elected as new PM of Solomon Islands, defeating opposition leader.
• Manele supports close ties with China, likely to continue pro-China foreign policy.
• Manele's election closely watched by Australia, China, and the United States.
• Manele's party won 15 seats, pledging to build infrastructure and improve economy.
• Manele promises "government of national unity" to focus on COVID-19 recovery.