Manele used his first speech as leader to promise to govern with integrity and to put his nation's interests first.
I will at all times put the interests of our people and country above all other interests," Manele said in a speech outside the National Parliament of Solomon Islands. Manele won 31 votes in a secret ballot of 49 lawmakers who won general elections on April 17, Governor General David Vunagi said, while Matthew Wale, who led the opposition in the previous parliament, received the remaining The withdrawal of pro-Beijing former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from the contest to make way for Manele as their party's candidate indicated the country could follow a similar direction.
Sogavare had hoped to become the first Solomons prime minister to maintain power in consecutive four-year terms following the election. During his previous term, China's influence increased more in the Solomons than anywhere else in the South Pacific. Sogavare switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing and struck a secret security pact that has raised fears of the Chinese navy gaining a foothold in the region.
Our economy and livelihoods have suffered because of this violence," Manele said. We must respect and uphold the democratic process of electing our prime minister and set an example for our children and their children," he added. Sogavare's election in sparked riots in the capital Honiara over legal questions hanging over his eligibility to become prime minister. More serious riots resulted in arson and looting in Honiara in November after his leadership survived a no-confidence motion moved by Wale.
Riots following the election, which were fueled by allegations of Chinese interference and resentment against Chinese business people, led to then-Prime Minister Snyder Rini's resignation after a week in office and Sogavare taking power. It was the second of Sogavare's four stints as prime minister.
