SYDNEY -- Jeremiah Manele, who most recently served as foreign minister of the Solomon Islands and who backs close ties with China, is set to become prime minister after winning a vote on Thursday by lawmakers that was closely watched by Australia, China and the U.S.

Manele was nominated by 31 out of the 50 members of the national parliament in a secret ballot, Governor General David Vunagi announced. Per tradition, Manele is likely to be sworn into office later in the day.