The non-confidence vote was moved by Sogavare’s former education minister and saw the government defeated 25 -22.   Sogavare was accused of arrogance and dictator-like conduct.

Sogavare came to power in May of 2006   following devastating riots in Honiara sparked by the election of Snyder Rini as prime minister. After a few days, Rini was forced to quit and Sogavare took over.

Opposition leader Fred Fono, who accused  Sogavare of  sending the Solomons’ international reputation plummeting, said MPs would vote on a new prime minister in the next few days after a new government had been formed.

Sogavare said he accepted ouster, was proud to have served the nation, and was "stepping out in humility".

One of the former Prime Minister’s political targets, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is patrolling the capital.