Overview
- Manele lost a no-confidence vote Thursday by 26–22 with two abstentions, removing him from power after a heated debate.
- Parliament adjourned so the Governor-General can set a date to elect a new prime minister, and Manele stays in place until that process is formalized.
- The session was convened after an appeal court ruled he must recall lawmakers by May 7 following seven weeks of avoiding the motion.
- The challenge grew from March defections and cabinet resignations that fractured his coalition, with opponents alleging weak leadership and favors for cronies.
- The shift is closely watched because the country has a 2022 security pact with China and rising China-linked debt, as the IMF also warns of missing audits and weak accountability.