The governor-general of Papua New Guinea has invited Peter O'Neill to form the next government.
Mr O'Neill's People's National Congress party won 27 out of 111 seats in the national parliament during a recent election and has since formed a coalition of about 80 MPs.
He also has the backing of former prime ministers Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan.
Governor-general Sir Michael Ogio has invited Mr O'Neill to form the next government and he is expected to be elected on the floor of Parliament on Friday.
