Solomon Islands lawmakers on Thursday elected Jeremiah Manele as prime minister of the South Pacific nation. Manele won 31 votes to 18 over opposition leader Matthew Wale in the secret ballot, Governor General David Vunagi announced on the steps of Parliament in Honiara. Manele said he was humbled by the appointment. “I will discharge my duties diligently and with integrity. I will at all times put the interests of our people and country above all other interests,” he said following Vunagi’s announcement. “Leading a nation is never an easy task. I ask that you remember me and your government i…