Matthew Wale
Solomon Islands politician (born 1968)
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Matthew Cooper Wale (born 13 June 1968) is a Solomon Islands politician currently serving as the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. He is a member of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands, and has represented the Aoke/Langalanga constituency on since being elected in 2008.[1]
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Matthew Wale | |
|---|---|
Wale in 2018 | |
| Prime Minister of Solomon Islands | |
| Assumed office 15 May 2026 | |
| Monarch | |
| Governor-General | |
| Preceded by | Jeremiah Manele |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 17 May 2019 – 15 May 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Manasseh Maelanga |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga | |
| Assumed office 27 March 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Bartholomew Ulufa'alu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 June 1968 Ambu Village, Malaita Province Solomon Islands |
| Party | Democratic Party |
Political career
Wale was elected in a special election held on 27 March 2008 following the death of sitting MP Bartholomew Ulufa'alu.[2]
Following the 2019 general election, Wale became the Leader of the Opposition.[3]
In 2021, amid mass unrest in the country, Wale called for Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to step down.[4] On 28 November 2021, Wale filed a no-confidence motion against the Sogavare government, with debate scheduled for 6 December.[5][6] The motion was ultimately defeated.[7]
Following the 2024 general election, Wale was a nominee for the position of prime minister. Wale, who received 18 votes, lost to Jeremiah Manele, who received 31 votes.[8] He was appointed as Leader of the Opposition on 17 May 2019.[9]
He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours for political and public service.[10]
After former prime minister Jeremiah Manele was removed in a no-confidence vote on 7 May, a vote by MPs resulted in Wale becoming the new prime minister. [11][12]
