The Latest Breaking News from Solomon Island

The opposition has taken a majority in the assembly of the most populous Solomon Islands province after Daniel Suidani, a vocal critic of the country's relationship with China, lost a no-confidence vote, an adviser to the ousted leader said on Wednesday.

Bill that was passed changes the constitution to allow the next general election to be delayed from 2023 until 2024.

The Solomon Islands parliament was expected to vote on Thursday on a bill to delay the next general election despite the objections of opposition party members who have accused Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of a "power grab".

The purchase would give China control of an island in the Solomons with a port that could be used immediately for large vessels, an airstrip, and large areas of land, the Australian government has been warned.