CARETAKER PRIME MINISTER CONCEDED DEFEAT AFTER LOSING SEAT

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S.I.P.R.A President Gordon Darcy Lilo. Photo credit: Robert Iroga.

Caretaker Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has conceded defeat after losing his seat in the country’s election.

It is expected to take at least a week before a coalition Government is formed and a new prime minister is chosen.

Mr Lilo has led Solomon Islands since 2011 and has been a member of parliament for three terms.

But he has been beaten in his constituency of Gizo Kolombangara by his 37-year-old nephew, Jimson Tanangada.

The departing prime minister blamed his loss on the late arrival of a passenger boat, carrying several hundred people believed to be loyal to him.

Radio Australia reports, he told the Sunday Star newspaper, he accepted the result.