Photo: POOL / VIA AFP-JIJI. Retrieved from japantimes.co.jp
Solomon Islands’ incumbent prime minister Manasseh Sogavare said Monday he would not stand for a new term, ending his pro-China rule of more than four years.
His withdrawal followed inconclusive April 17 elections that led his party to choose foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as its parliamentary leader — in effect its candidate for the premiership.
Solomon Islands MPs will choose a new prime minister in a secret ballot on Thursday.
During four spasmodic spells as the Pacific nation’s leader, the 69-year-old Sogavare has maneuvered through armed coups, riots and the rise of China.
Sogavare said he wanted to thank the people for the “privilege and honor” of serving his country.