In 2023, the Solomon Islands elected Jeremiah Manele as their new prime minister. Manele, a pro-Chinese candidate, won 31 out of 50 votes in a secret ballot in Parliament, defeating his rival Mathew Wale. Manele was overjoyed with the outcome and expressed relief that the vote occurred without any violence, stating “Today we showed the world that we are better than this.” The Solomon Islands have a history of election-related riots, with Prime Minister Bart Ulufa’alu being kidnapped by armed individuals in 2000 and an international contingent being deployed to prevent riots during elections in 2006.
In recent years, the Solomon Islands have shifted away from Taiwan towards establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing. Analysts predict that Manele will continue this policy of closer ties with China initiated by his predecessor Manasseh Sogavare. However, there have been concerns raised by the United States and Australia regarding a security agreement signed with China in 2022. This agreement has raised fears about the potential establishment of a permanent Chinese military base in the South Pacific.
Manele has outlined plans for governance focused on economic revitalization and progress towards recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Among his priorities are a reform of the value-added tax and the establishment of a special economic zone. The new government aims to promote unity among all sectors of society and work together to build a brighter future for everyone in Solomon Islands.