Solomon Islands parliament elects new PM

Dr Sikua defeated the outgoing Sogavare government's candidate, Foreign Affairs Minister Patteson Oti by 32 votes to 15.

Radio Australia's Bo Hill reports the appointment of Dr Sikua should mean better relations between Australia and Honiara.

He replaces Manessah Sogarave who clashed with the former Australian government over the Australia-led regional assistance mission to Solomon Islands and the extradition of Attorney General Julian Moti who is wanted in Australia on child sex charges.

The new Solomon Islands prime minister will be sworn-in by the Governor General this afternoon.

In a brief statement after his election, Dr Sikua appealed to the now opposition group to work together with his government for the good of the nation.

Our reporter in Honiara, Evan Wasuka, says people around parliament building cheered when the Governor General announced the result.