Solomon Islands New Prime Minister: Hon Snyder Rini

Solomon Islands has a new Prime Minister. He is Snyder Rini, the MP for Marovo and Leader of the Association of Independent Members of Parliament.

Newly elected PM Snyder Rini waving to the crowd outside parliament building following the Governor General's announcement of his election.

The Government Communications Unit says Mr Rini was elected by the new Parliament in a secret ballot which took two and half hours presided over by the Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena.

He beat off two contenders, Job Dudley Tausinga and Manasseh Sogavare.

In the first round of voting Mr Tausinga polled 22 votes, Mr Rini 17 votes and Mr Sogavare 11 votes. Mr Sogavare was then eliminated.

In the second round of voting, Mr Rini polled 27 votes while Mr Tausinga polled 23 votes.

Sir Nathaniel declared Hon. Rini as the new Prime Minister on the steps of Parliament House

Mr Rini’s election as Prime Minister means that the former Government of Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza returns to power with the new Prime Minister as the new coalition leader. Sir Allan did not seek re-election as Prime Minister

Mr Rini was the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Human Resources in the previous government. He has also held other Ministerial portfolios in previous governments including Minister of Finance and Minister of National Planning

This is his third term in Parliament. He was born on 17th July 1949.

News and picture source: SIBC News