Outgoing Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, right, and candidate for prime minister Jeremiah Manele shake hands during a news conference, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Sogavare on Monday withdrew from the contest to remain head of the strategically important South Pacific island nation’s government following general elections two weeks ago that are central to the U.S.-China rivalry in the region. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation via AP)