Solomon Islands’ Pro-China Leader Sogavare Exits PM Race, ABC Reports
- Foreign minister to stand as candidate for governing party
- First vote to pick nation’s next leader scheduled for Thursday
Manasseh Sogavare
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Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has withdrawn from consideration for another term as leader after his ruling party failed to win a majority in elections, in a potential blow to China’s growing ties with the Pacific nation.
Sogavare will be replaced by Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party’s candidate for prime minister, the two men announced at a press conference. However, it is unclear if Manele will have enough support among lawmakers when they gather to select a new leader.