MATTHEW Wale has been elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister in a narrow 26–22 vote in Honiara this hour.
The former Opposition leader defeated Peter Shanel Agovaka in a two-man race after the withdrawal of Manasseh Maelanga late on Thursday.
An emotional Wale, who has made several attempts for the prime ministership in a political career of about 20 years, warned the country that it would be necessary to make necessary painful changes.
This was an apparent reference to the need for strict financial controls due to previous overspending by government and the current spike in oil prices due to the Middle East conflict initiated by the United States and Israel.
“The government I lead will exercise prudence and strong financial management,” Wale said outside Parliament House.
“If we act like lords, remind us that we are your servants.”
Wale has been a vocal critic of financial mismanagement and corruption in previous governments and there will be an expectation for him to restore public confidence in governance systems.
He warned that Solomon Islands was not immune from geopolitical events, which directly impacted the local economy.
Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu confirmed Wale’s election.
Wale, 58, is member for the Aoke-Langalanga Constituency from which he was first in 2008. In 2024, he was nominated to be Prime Minister but lost to Jeremiah Manele, who was removed last week in a vote of no confidence.
