Jeremiah Manele, a career diplomat with pro-China leanings, has been selected as the new prime minister of the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands lawmakers have chosen Jeremiah Manele, a former diplomat with friendly ties to China, as their new prime minister following the elections held on April 17.

Manele secured 31 votes in a secret ballot among the 49 newly elected MPs, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale who garnered 18 votes. Governor General Sir David Vunagi made the announcement outside the parliament house on Thursday.

Amid past election-related unrest, police were stationed around the parliamentary grounds as the voting took place indoors.

Expressing gratitude for the peaceful process, Manele stated, "The people have spoken," emphasizing the absence of violence that plagued previous elections. "We have shown the world today that we are better than that."

Manele has outlined plans for a "government of national unity" aimed at bolstering the economy and steering the nation towards recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this week, former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has pro-Beijing leanings, withdrew from the contest after failing to garner enough support in the election. This paved the way for Manele to emerge as the party's candidate and ultimately replace Sogavare.

The election drew significant attention from China, the US, and neighboring Australia due to its potential implications for regional security.

Former Prime Minister Sogavare presided over a notable expansion of Chinese interests in the archipelago. His 2022 signing of a security pact with Beijing raised concerns in the West, given the strategic importance of the Solomon Islands despite its small population. Sogavare harbored a deep distrust of Australia and the United States.

Opposition leader Wale has been critical of the China security pact, accusing Sogavare of compromising Solomon Islands' interests to appease Beijing.

Manele, who served as Solomon Islands' foreign minister in 2019, played a pivotal role when the nation cut ties with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with China.

Meanwhile, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed optimism about collaborating closely with Manele, indicating potential shifts in regional dynamics.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the strong bond between Australia and the Solomon Islands, stating, "Australia and Solomon Islands are close friends, and our futures are connected."