Jeremiah Manele toppled after months of political upheaval in the nation seen as one of China’s closest partners in the Pacific
Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele lost power in a no-confidence vote in the South Pacific country’s parliament, ending months of political uncertainty.
Parliament was adjourned to allow the governor general to make arrangements for the election of a new prime minister.
Ahead of the vote on Thursday, which he lost 22 to 26, Manele heavily criticised the country’s court for setting a “dangerous precedent” by ruling lawmakers must meet for the no-confidence motion.
The Solomon Islands has been seen as one of Beijing’s closest partners and backers in the South Pacific in recent years, and changes of leader in the strategically located archipelago are closely watched by western diplomats.
