Lawmakers in the South Pacific nation of the Solomon Islands have passed a vote of no confidence, ousting the country's Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from office.
Security forces were on the alert for possible riots and civil unrest after the vote Thursday, which was led by opposition leader Fred Fono. The motion passed 25 votes to 22.
Mr. Sogavare came to power in April last year in the wake of rioting that devastated the Solomons' capital, Honiara. After stepping into office, he strained relations with regional powers and major aid donors Australia and New Zealand, accusing Canberra of meddling in Solomons' affairs.
Last year, Mr. Sogavare infuriated Canberra when he appointed a man wanted for child sex charges, Julian Moti, in Australia to the post of attorney general.
He will remain as the island-nation's caretaker leader until the swearing in of a new government.
The opposition has said it will restore relations with Australia and put Moti on a plane Canberra if they take back control of the government.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.