Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Wednesday that he hoped the vote for a new prime minister in the Solomon Islands would be "unencumbered."

Downer's statements came after Snyder Rini resigned as the Pacific nation's prime minister earlier in the day.

Rini announced his resignation after he learned at least five members of his government coalition had crossed the floor to join the opposition, as the parliament was due to vote on a motion of no-confidence against him.

The Solomon Islands parliament has now adjourned until next week, and Rini will remain caretaker prime minister until a new leader is chosen by MPs when parliament sits again.

However, Downer would not comment directly on Rini's resignation.

"I'm going to avoid the 'Downer weeps at Snyder Rini's departure ' or 'Downer applauds Snyder Rini's departure' ( headlines)," Downer told reporters at the National Press Club.

"It's a matter for the Solomon Islands parliament to determine, "he said.

"I'd like to feel that the members of the Solomon Islands parliament are able to vote unencumbered and without inappropriate incentives, if you know what I mean, and I'm sure you do, that they are able to vote freely to determine who the next prime minister is to be," he said.

"In relation to the future, it is very important that there is a free and unencumbered vote by members of the parliament, that they vote on the basis of their conscience and, of course, their political leanings and judgement, and that they choose a government that will serve the people of the Solomon Islands well, " said Downer.

Rini was elected as prime minister in a parliamentary vote on April 18. Supporters of the opposition then took to the streets of Honiara, capital of the Pacific nation, claiming the vote was fixed.

Protests changed into the most serious rioting and looting since Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific governments intervened in 2003 to help end years of bloody ethnic gang conflict.

Source: Xinhua