The Solomon Islands parliament has elected its new speaker, Ajilon Jasper Nasiu, a former provincial premier who polled 27 votes to 23 over his opposing candidate, the clerk to parliament Taeasi Sanga.
His election has been met with some surprise as in the lead-up to today's first sitting there had been public calls for a woman to be chosen as speaker of parliament.
The next order of business is electing a deputy speaker from among the 50 MPs.
It is understood a former environment minister Moffat Fugui and a former agriculture minister David Tome are the candidates for the post.
Following this the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will outline the rest of parliament business for the week.
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands overlooking Honiara City Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins
