Beijing-Friendly Solomons PM Delays Election, Extends Term Until 2024

Beijing-Friendly Solomons PM Delays Election, Extends Term Until 2024
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and then-Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 9, 2019. Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images
Daniel Y. Teng
Updated:
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The Solomon Islands government has successfully delayed the country’s national elections, effectively extending the term of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who has moved quickly to leverage deepening ties with Beijing to solidify his power.

The vote passed with 37 out of the Parliament’s 50 MPs in support. This comes after a report last year revealed 39 Solomon MPs received funds from a Beijing-backed slush fund.

Daniel Y. Teng
Daniel Y. Teng
Writer
Daniel Y. Teng is based in Brisbane, Australia. He focuses on national affairs, including federal politics and Australia-China relations. Got a tip? Contact him at [email protected].
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