The election of a new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands will take place next Tuesday.
The Governor General issued a notice for the election this morning.
The prime minister is elected by secret ballot by the 50 MPs in a secret ballot in Parliament.
The announcement comes amid heavy lobbying in the capital Honiara as two distinct political blocks fight for MP numbers to form the government.
Nominations for prime ministerial candidates opened at eight this morning and will close on Friday.
Solomon Islands coat of arms on Parliament buildings in Honiara Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins