The Solomon Islands government is preparing to swear in the newly appointed Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast who has arrived in Honiara from Australia.
No exact time has been given but officials say he is expected to be sworn in this week.
The position has been vacant since the beginning of the year when his predecessor was forced to quit amid controversy over his age.
Photo: RNZ
Mr Prendergast's appointment has drawn criticism from various local groups and members of the public but parliamentarians and government officials, including a former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, welcome the choice.
His appointment comes as the country prepares for elections later this year.
The last Australian to serve as Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Shane Castles, was dismissed in 2007 and barred from returning to Honiara as the government labelled him a threat to the country's public security and morality.
