The outgoing Solomon Islands Prime Minister says he lost his seat in last week's election due to a late ferry.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
Gordon Darcy Lilo was beaten in his Gizo/Kolombangara seat by a former staffer and his nephew, Jimson Fiau Tanangada.
Speaking to the Solomon Star, he congratulated Mr Tanangada, and said it was unfortunate that many of his supporters arrived late to voting booths, travelling on the MV Maetalau.
He says had they arrived in time and cast their votes, the results would have been different.
Mr Lilo has served for the last three terms, holding several ministerial positions before becoming the nation's prime minister in 2011.
He was the co-founder and president of the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement.
He says he will now focus on private business matters.