Solomon Islands Parliament elects opposition leader Matthew Wale as prime minister following the removal of the previous prime minister, Jeremiah Manele, in a no-confidence vote last week. Wale wins a parliamentary ballot on Friday against Peter Shanel Agovaka, defeating him 26 votes to 22, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The vote is described as a secret ballot, held in Honiara, and the governor general, David Tiva Kapu, announces the result. Wale is a longtime critic of the country’s close ties with China and has said he intends to bring changes. After taking office, Wale moves quickly to form his government, appointing cabinet ministers over the weekend and stating that his administration is ready to begin its work. The articles collectively present the election as the next step in restoring leadership after Manele’s ouster, with Wale now set to lead the Solomon Islands government and oversee the newly formed cabinet.