Solomon Islands PM’s election delay push a ‘power grab’ linked to China pact, opposition leader alleges

Solomon Islands opposition leader Matthew Wale has labelled a bill from prime minister Manasseh Sogavare to delay the election a ‘power grab’. Photograph: Charley Piringi

The opposition leader of Solomon Islands has blasted a push by the prime minister to delay the 2023 election, saying the move is the “power grab” he foresaw when Manasseh Sogavare signed a controversial security deal with China earlier this year.

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind this is a power grab,” Matthew Wale said of the bill introduced by Sogavare’s government to extend parliament. “It’s all orchestrated.”