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Solomon Islands PM ousted in vote | Solomon Islands PM ousted in vote |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The prime minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, has been ousted in a vote of no-confidence. | The prime minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, has been ousted in a vote of no-confidence. |
Mr Sogavare is reported to have accepted the decision, saying "parliament voted me in and parliament voted me out". | |
His hold on power was weakened early in November when nine ministers and three backbenchers defected from government. | |
There have been no reports of unrest, but large numbers of police are patrolling the capital, Honiara. | There have been no reports of unrest, but large numbers of police are patrolling the capital, Honiara. |
According to Reuters news agency, Mr Sogavare told parliament: "The office does not belong to my father or my family, and I have no reason to remain in this office if I believe the allegations levelled against me are true". | |
Mr Sogavare was appointed in May 2006 after the election of the original choice, Snyder Rini, sparked rioting. | Mr Sogavare was appointed in May 2006 after the election of the original choice, Snyder Rini, sparked rioting. |
Chinese homes and business were attacked after Mr Rini was accused of using money from Chinese and Taiwanese backers to bribe MPs into voting for him. | Chinese homes and business were attacked after Mr Rini was accused of using money from Chinese and Taiwanese backers to bribe MPs into voting for him. |
International criticism | International criticism |
The opposition had previously called for Mr Sogavare to resign to "protect the integrity of parliament". | The opposition had previously called for Mr Sogavare to resign to "protect the integrity of parliament". |
But he refused and in Thursday's no-confidence motion, put forward by opposition leader Fred Fono, he was defeated by 25 votes to 23. | |
He has faced domestic criticism in recent months for his abrasive style and for allegedly damaging the international image of the Solomon Islands. | |
He has a strained relationship with Australia, which has had a peacekeeping mission in the Solomon Islands since 2003, when it was invited there by the government to restore order. | He has a strained relationship with Australia, which has had a peacekeeping mission in the Solomon Islands since 2003, when it was invited there by the government to restore order. |
Particularly damaging was his controversial appointment of Julian Moti as attorney-general. | Particularly damaging was his controversial appointment of Julian Moti as attorney-general. |
The opposition said the appointment was irresponsible, because Mr Moti was wanted in Australia over child sex charges. | The opposition said the appointment was irresponsible, because Mr Moti was wanted in Australia over child sex charges. |