Solomon Islands Readies for Post-Election Bartering With China in View

Electoral officers carry away ballot boxes for counting at the Multi-Purpose Center in Honiara, capital city of the Solomon Islands, on April 19, 2024. Beijing's bid to build influence across the Solomon Islands hit a major snag on April 19, with the pro-China premier of the Pacific nation's most populous province losing his seat in country-wide elections. Saeed KHAN / AFP

Political leaders in the Solomon Islands began trickling into the capital from far-flung villages on Saturday, preparing for post-election coalition negotiations that could alter China’s fate in the Pacific nation.

Incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare — one of China’s most steadfast allies in the South Pacific — clung on to his seat by 259 votes, according to the official tally.

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by Eric Olander

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