Solomon Islands police have arrested more than 30 people for offences following disturbances in Honiara in the wake of the election of Manasseh Sogavare as prime minister on Wednesday.
Police say some members of the public took the law into their own hands and marched through Honiara, causing public disturbances, fighting and property damage.
Significant damage occurred at the Pacific Casino Hotel and a number of vehicles were also damaged.
Marches had been banned by police during the prime ministerial vote and the Solomon Star newspaper reports that police may make further arrests.
Five police and four prison officers were injured during the rioting.
Police in Honiara are working throughout tonight to control reports of a mob wanting to enter into the city centre. https://t.co/RZp9cgSVD1 @SamisoniPareti @Netrika #honiaratension #pmsogavare #solotensions #melapoli pic.twitter.com/Sf5ZAaIaMY
— Islands Business (@IBIupdate) April 24, 2019
Police fired teargas to control mobs in Honiara. https://t.co/lr2E5OqPki @SamisoniPareti @Netrika #solopolitics #pmsogavare #melapoli pic.twitter.com/EgONbPGrxd
— Islands Business (@IBIupdate) April 24, 2019