Solomon Islands PM ousted after losing confidence vote

"I hope as leaders, we will continue to work for the betterment of this country," ‌Manele told ‌MPs ⁠after the vote on Thursday.

"It is important for both sides ​of the house to continue to work together to deliver goods and services for people going forward."

He will remain in position until he is removed by the governor-general.

Located 1600km northeast of ‌Australia, the strategic importance of Solomon Islands has been ​in focus in recent years due to its strengthening ties with China. 

In 2022, it signed a security ​pact ​with China that ​prompted concern from the United States ‌and South Pacific neighbours.

Manele's ouster stems from a dozen government ministers defecting to the opposition in March. 

Manele then refused to recall parliament, avoiding a confidence vote, but ​was later ordered to do so by two courts.