Solomon Islands Elects New Premier

ISTANBUL, May 15 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Solomon Islands’ parliament elected long-time opposition leader Matthew Wale as the country's new prime minister Friday, with Wale pledging during his victory speech that "change is coming", Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media.

Wale won a ballot among lawmakers, defeating former Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka by 26 votes to 22, according to Solomon Star News.

Former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote on May 7, ending his two-year tenure.

Manele had begun losing support from government lawmakers in March amid domestic grievances, corruption allegations and criticism from opponents who described his leadership as weak and indecisive.

Wale has been in parliament for two decades and was a vocal critic of the 2022 security pact that Solomon Islands signed with China, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

He had at one point called for the agreement to be revoked but later stepped back from that stance. Most political observers expect him to maintain the status quo in the country's relations with China.

During his speech, he pledged reform, discipline and national unity while warning that the changes ahead may be difficult, according to the in-depth Solomons online news website.

"Elected leaders are servants, not lords," he said, calling on citizens to hold the government accountable.

His "change is coming" message also came with a caution that reforms may bring hardship before improvement.

Wale said the Solomon Islands cannot avoid current global geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, pledging disciplined and prudent leadership to steer the country through those challenges.

He also urged Solomon Islanders to remain united, support necessary reforms and actively contribute to the country's development.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU