Police in Solomon Islands are calling for calm after rioting broke out in the capital over the election of Manasseh Sogavare as the new prime minister.
Mr Sogavare's win represents a continuation of the last government and those protesting are purportedly people who had been wanting a change in government.
One of the angry mobs in Solomon Islands walking down the main road past Chinatown in Honiara after the election of the prime minister. 24 April 2019 Photo: Gino Oti
Videos and pictures posted on social media show large crowds of mostly young men walking through the streets, yelling and throwing stones at buildings, and breaking in and damaging some private properties.
Police riot squads have been trying to disperse the more rowdy groups with tear gas.
One group caused substantial damage to the Pacific Casino Hotel complex at Kukum where Mr Sogavare and the members of his Democratic Coalition for Advancement had been based.
The damage left by an angry mob at the Pacific Casino Hotel in Solomon Islands after the election of the prime minister. 24 April 2019 Photo: Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation
The situation in Honiara remains tense with most shops and businesses having closed.
Police say they will continue high visibility patrols throughout the night and are urging people to stay away from the city centre.
Meanwhile Mr Sogavare has been sworn in at Government House and is now officially the prime minister of Solomon Islands.
Manasseh Sogavare speaks on the steps of Solomon Islands National Parliament shortly after winning the prime ministerial election. 24 April 2019 Photo: Forum Solomon Islands International