Skip to Content

Solomon Islands pro-Beijing prime minister won’t keep his job following elections

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Solomon Islands pro-Beijing Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has withdrawn from the contest to remain head of the strategically important South Pacific island nation’s government following general elections two weeks ago. Sogavare has been reelected to the parliament, but Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported he told a press conference on Monday he would not be nominated as a candidate when the 50 newly elected lawmakers vote on Thursday for the prime minister. Sogavare had hoped to become the first Solomons prime minister to maintain power in consecutive four-year terms. He switched diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to Beijing and struck a secret security pact that has raised fears of the Chinese navy gaining a foothold in the region.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content