- Promises discipline, accountability and change as he takes office after political shift
BY NED GAGAHE
Matthew Cooper Wale is the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands following his victory in the Prime Ministerial election yesterday, ending days of political uncertainty after the successful Motion of No Confidence against former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Mr Wale, Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga and leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, was officially sworn in at Government House by Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu shortly after securing victory in Parliament.
The 57-year-old veteran politician defeated rival candidate Peter Shanel Agovaka by 26 votes to 22 in a closely watched contest. Of the 50 Members of Parliament, 49 ballots were cast, with one member absent and one vote declared spoilt.
Addressing supporters and the nation outside Parliament House after his election, Prime Minister Wale acknowledged the enormous responsibility before him and pledged to govern with discipline and accountability.
“It is a great privilege indeed and an honour to be elected your Prime Minister today.
“I will not trifle with this privilege and the government that I lead will do its utmost to serve. Please help keep us accountable and responsible,” Wale said.
The new Prime Minister admitted his administration is assuming office during difficult times and warned Solomon Islanders that some decisions ahead may not be easy.
“We take government at a difficult time…but we will exercise discipline and prudent management,” he said, adding that changes needed to improve the country may be painful.
In a message aimed particularly at young people, Wale urged citizens to remain hopeful and ambitious, saying the country’s future depends on collective effort and national unity.
“Change is coming,” he declared, calling on Solomon Islanders to work together to build a stronger nation.
The Prime Minister also thanked churches and Christians throughout the country for their prayers during the political transition and ended his first public address with prayer.
Long Political Career
Mr Wale is no stranger to national leadership.
He entered Parliament in 2008 through a by-election following the death of former Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa’alu and has represented the people of Aoke/Langalanga ever since.
Later that year, he was appointed Minister for Education and Human Resources Development under former Prime Minister Derek Sikua’s government.
Following the 2019 National General Election, Wale became Leader of Opposition and gained prominence for advocating political reform, accountability, transparency and anti-corruption measures.
He was also among key figures pushing for leadership changes during the 2021 political unrest, filing a Motion of No Confidence against then Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare — although that motion was unsuccessful.
After losing the 2024 Prime Ministerial race to former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Wale has now returned to contest and won the nation’s top political office.
He was also appointed the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours which recognised his years of public and political service.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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