A village on the beach near Auki, the capital of Malaita. Photo: Supplied
The premier of Solomon Islands' Malaita province has survived a motion of no confidence against him.
The motion against Peter Chanel Ramohia was moved on Thursday by an opposition MP, Malcolm Moli.
The Solomon Star newspaper reports that 24 assembly members voted to keep Mr Ramohia, while seven MPs voted against. Two members were absent.
The Ramohia government has come under heavy criticism in recent months over deals made with private lenders, which Mr Moli says was illegal.
After the motion, Mr Ramohia said he had learned a big lesson, promising to end the borrowing immediately and stick to the province's revenue stream.
