Matthew Cooper Wale (born 13 June 1968) is a

Solomon Islands Solomon Islands, also known simply as the Solomons,John Prados, ''Islands of Destiny'', Dutton Caliber, 2012, p,20 and passim is an island country consisting of six major islands and over 1000 smaller islands in Melanesia, part of Oceania, t ...

politician A politician is a person who participates in Public policy, policy-making processes, usually holding an elective position in government. Politicians represent the people, make decisions, and influence the formulation of public policy. The roles ...

currently serving as the

Leader of the Opposition The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the Opposition (parliamentary), largest political party not in government, typical in countries utilizing the parliamentary system form of government. The leader of the ...

. He is a member of the

National Parliament of the Solomon Islands The National Parliament of the Solomon Islands is the legislature of the Solomon Islands. Its 50 members are elected for a four-year term in 50 single-seat constituencies.

, and has represented the Aoke/Langalanga constituency on since being elected in

2008 2008 was designated as: *International Year of Languages *International Year of Planet Earth *International Year of the Potato *International Year of Sanitation The Great Recession, a worldwide recession which began in 2007, continued throu ...

Political career

Wale was elected in a special election held on 27 March 2008 following the death of sitting MP

Bartholomew Ulufa'alu Bartholomew (Bart) Ulufa'alu Order of St Michael and St George, CMG (25 December 1950 – 25 May 2007) was the prime minister of Solomon Islands from 27 August 1997 to 30 June 2000.2019 general election, Wale became the

. In 2021, amid mass unrest in the country, Wale called for Prime Minister

Manasseh Sogavare Manasseh Damukana Sogavare (born 17 January 1955) is a Solomon Islander politician serving as Minister of Finance since 2024. He served as the prime minister of Solomon Islands for a total of nine years from 2000–2001, 2006–2007, 2014–2017 ...

to step down. On 28 November 2021, Wale filed a no-confidence motion against the Sogavare government, with debate scheduled for 6 December. The motion was ultimately defeated. Following the

2024 general election This is a list of elections that were held in 2024. The National Democratic Institute also maintains a calendar of elections around the world. * 2024 United Nations Security Council election * 2024 national electoral calendar * 2024 local electo ...

, Wale was a nominee for the position of prime minister. Wale, who received 18 votes, lost to

Jeremiah Manele Jeremiah Manele (born 1968) is a Solomon Island politician serving as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, prime minister following the 2024 Solomon Islands general election. He is the first prime minister of the country to come from Isabel Provin ...

, who received 31 votes.

References

1968 births Living people People from Malaita Province Solomon Islands Democratic Party politicians {{Solomons-politician-stub Leaders of the opposition (Solomon Islands) Members of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands Commanders of the Order of the British Empire