Former Solomon Islands opposition leader Matthew Wale has been elected the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands after securing victory in a parliamentary vote on Friday.
Wale defeated former Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka by 26 votes to 22 in a secret ballot held in Parliament, following the removal of former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in a no-confidence vote last week.
Wale, leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party and MP for Aoke/Langa Langa, first entered Parliament in a 2008 by-election and has since retained his seat in the 2010, 2014, 2019 and 2024 national elections.
A long-serving opposition figure, Wale has been a vocal critic of the Solomon Islands’ 2022 security pact with China. While he previously called for the agreement to be revoked, political observers expect his government to maintain relations with both China and Australia.
Speaking outside Parliament after his election, Wale said his government would focus on accountability and reform.
“It is a great privilege indeed and an honour to be elected your prime minister today,” he said.
“The government that I lead will do its utmost to serve. Please help keep us accountable and responsible.
“When we act as if we are your lords, please remind us we are your servants.”
Wale acknowledged the challenges facing the country amid global geopolitical tensions.
“We take government at a difficult time, given what is happening throughout the world. We are not immune from the impasse of these geopolitical events,” he said.
“Fellow Solomon Islanders, change is coming. These changes are necessary and may be painful. I ask that you join with your government by putting your hand to the plough,” he said.
