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Matthew Wale, Longtime Opposition Leader, Is New Solomon Islands Prime Minister
Matthew Cooper Wale was elected as the Solomon Islands prime minister by secret ballot in Honiara on Friday.
His election was publicly announced by the Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu outside the parliament precinct a short while ago.
Wale was elected by 26 votes to 22 against Peter Shanel Agovaka.
Wale, 57, who is the leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, was first elected to the National Parliament representing the Aoke Langa Langa Constituency in a bye-election in March 2008.
He has since been re-elected to parliament four times: August 2010, November 2014, April 2019, and April 2024.
In his first statement after being announced as the country's new leader, Wale said the government he leads will do its utmost to serve.
He called on Solomon Islanders to "help keep us accountable and responsible".
"When we act as if we are your lords, please remind us that we are your servants," he said.
"We take government at a difficult time, given what is happening throughout the world, we are not immune from the impacts of these geopolitical events.
But he said his government will exercise discipline and prudent management to see through these difficult times.
He said "change is coming", adding that "these changes are necessary and may be painful".
"I ask that you join with your government in putting your hand to the plough. Let us all unite and count the cost of effecting the changes that are necessary to position our country to flourish."
The prime minister also appealed the youth of the nation to "be ambitious".
"Be ambitious for yourselves and to be part of the growth we want to see in Solomon Islands."
Wale, who has two years left to govern until the next scheduled general elections, thanked all Christians in the country for their prayers and concluded his statement with a prayer.
He is expected to take his oath of office today.
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