Pro-China candidate elected as new prime minister of Solomon Island

Solomon Islands lawmakers on Thursday chose former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele, a pro-China leader, as the new prime minister of the South Pacific Island nation that has grown closer to China in recent years.

The withdrawal of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from the contest to remain head of the government to make way for Manele as their party's candidate is an indication the country could follow a similar direction.

The prime minister was chosen in a secret ballot of 49 lawmakers who won general elections on April 17.

Governor General David Vunagi said Manele received 31 votes.
Speaking outside the country's parliament following the result announcement, Manele said the "people have spoken."

He pledged to put his country's interests above all other interests and called on Solomon Islanders to respect the results.

Sogavare had hoped to become the first Solomon Islands 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.