Solomon Islands elects new prime minister

Solomon Islands, Dec 20, 2007

Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands elected a new prime minister on Thursday (December 20), a week after former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was ousted in a no-confidence vote.  Former Education Minister Derek Sikua was elected by a vote of 32 to 15.  The opposition-backed Sikua defeated Foreign Minister Pattteson Oli in the vote.  According to news reports, security troops had beefed-up security in the capital, Honiara, as the vote took place, but there were no reports of unrest. Sogavare had been appointed prime minister in May 2006, replacing Snyder Rini, who was forced to step down after violence was sparked by his election.  Chinese businesses and homes were attacked by rioters in Honiara's China Town area in April 2006 after Rini was reportedly accused of using money from ethnic Chinese supporters to bribe ministers of parliament to vote for him. Last month, Sogavare's hold on power began to crumble after nine ministers and three backbenchers quit his government.  Sikua was one of the lawmakers who defected from Sogavare's government.  The opposition had earlier called on Sogavare to resign, but he had refused to do so.  Sogavare has been criticized for his appointment of Julian Moti as attorney-general, who is wanted in Australia over child sex charges.  The move strained relations with Australia, a major donor and part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which had been sent to the Solomons in 2003 at the request of the Solomons government to help halt ethnic violence. Sogavare had called for the withdrawal of RAMSI troops and accused Australia of meddling in the Solomons' domestic affairs. He also expelled the Australian ambassador in 2006 and sacked the Solomons' police force's Australian commissioner.  The opposition said that the appointment of Moti and the sacking of the police commissioner were also reasons the no-confidence vote was called.  According to the BBC, Sikua said that his election was a victory for democracy in the nation.  "The resolution of the political crisis has demonstrated the strength of Solomon Islands democratic institutions," Sikua said. According to the BBC, analysts say that his win may lead to improved ties with Australia and New Zealand.  Officials for the new government said that Moti could be handed over to Australian police as early as Friday (December 21), according to the Associated Press (AP). Sikua also reportedly acknowledged Sogavare's leadership and apologized for any hurt the opposition may have caused him, the AP reported.  Sikua also said that the government must strengthen efforts towards reconciliation.