Foreign media has made much of the demise of former PM Manasseh Sogavere whose switch from recognition of Taiwan to the People's Republic of China has been seen as a major election issue. If this was so, it must have been a very minor issue. Manele was Foreign Minister under Sogavere when the switch was made and he has promised to maintain present relationships.
Moreover, Manele's victory signals a return of the incumbent government formerly headed by Manasseh Sogavare in the 50-seat parliament.
Manele's administration, which calls itself the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), is made up of three parties; his own Our Party with 15 seats, Manasseh Maelanga's People's First Party with 3 seats and Jamie Vokia's Kandere Party with one seat, a total of 19, together with the SI Party for Rural Advancement (1 seat) and support from among the 11 independents MPs.
Matthew Wale's opposition —that mainly opposed the switch from Taiwan— comprises his own Democratic Party with 11 seats, the United Party with 6 seats, and one seat from the Democratic Alliance party.
The fragmentation of both government and opposition groups is only too obvious, and with most loyalties linked to individuals, clans and island groups the next few years promise to be very volatile.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/02/solomon-islands-lawmakers-elect-jeremiah-manale-as-new-pm/
See also pn931.
-- ACW
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