Manele Out: Solomon Islands Prime Minister ousted in 26-22 vote

Jeremiah Manele’s time as Prime Minister has come to a dramatic end on Thursday but he didn't leave without a final shot at his rivals, warning the new leaders to "watch their backs" after a 26-22 vote of no confidence.

Following a day of fiery debate that saw the government benches challenge the Opposition to "show their reasons," the final count confirmed the worst-case scenario for the ruling coalition.

With 26 votes in favour of the motion, 22 against, and two MPs absent, the "New Coalition" has successfully seized control of the 50-seat Parliament.

In his final statement during the debate, Manele warned about political instability and the role of the courts in politics.

He also appeared to caution opposition MPs about alliances forming against him. He told the Opposition leader Matthew Cooper Wale to “be very careful of who you are dealing with and sitting next to”, in a pointed remark directed at MPs who crossed the floor.

Manele also raised concerns about a recent Appeal Court decision, saying it could open the door to more political instability by involving the courts in parliamentary processes.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, who has led the charge against the Manele administration for months, sees his efforts come to fruition following Thursday’s decisive 26-22 vote of no confidence. Photo/PINA

“[The Court of Appeal] decision, with the greatest respect to the court, risks cementing instability into our constitutional arrangements,” he said.

“It creates a pathway where any group of members who are unhappy with the government of the day can combine a motion of no confidence with court proceedings and then ask the judiciary to intervene in the timing and programme of parliament.”

The result marks a major victory for the mover of the motion and former deputy prime minister, Frederick Kologeto, and opposition leaders who argued that Manele, 58, had lost his mandate due to "internal bickering" and a breakdown of trust within the cabinet.

The New Coalition with Frederick Kologeto, pictured front and fifth from left, who moved the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister. Photo/Office of the Opposition, Solomon Islands

Despite the government's attempts to frame the move as a baseless power grab, the numbers proved that the rift within the coalition was too deep to heal.

Manele, who had earlier promised to respect the democratic process and "face the music", is now expected to formally tender his resignation to the Governor-General.

What this means for the Pacific

The fallout of this vote will be felt far beyond the shores of Guadalcanal.

As a leader who was seen as the "face of Beijing" in the Pacific, Manele’s removal raises immediate questions about the future of the 2022 security pact and the country's controversial ties with China.

But expert Joseph Foukona has previously warned that in Solomon Islands politics, "there are no permanent enemies".

The Solomon Islands National Parliament in Honiara: Thursday's historic no-confidence debate ended months of political tension. Photo/Facebook

He says that while the face at the top is changing, the influence of China remains deeply embedded in Honiara.

The challenge for the New Coalition now is to prove they can offer more than just a change of leader but a genuine plan for the country's economic and social stability.

Despite the tensions, Manele made a final attempt to reach across the aisle, saying his government was open to working with opposition parties to form a new governing arrangement.

“We are willing to accommodate any political party in forming a new government,” he said. “We are willing to work with their party leaders, including on the issue, on the matter of leadership.”

“We are willing to make that sacrifice so that the work that we have done over the past two years can continue our people and their needs.”

Outgoing Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele warned his rivals to be careful of their new allies shortly before losing the vote of no confidence 26-22 in Honiara on Thursday. Photo/Facebook/Peter Kenilorea

Honiara on alert

As the result was announced, a heavy police presence remained across the capital.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has called for calm, urging supporters on both sides to respect the parliamentary outcome.

For the "Hapi Isles," the immediate political storm has passed but a new chapter of uncertainty has just begun.