Hilda Heine elected Marshalls president

The Marshall Islands parliament has elected Hilda Heine as the country's new president, becoming the first woman in Micronesia to head the government.

She secured 24 votes in the 33-member legislature.

Her election comes a day after a no confidence motion removed Casten Nemra, who had been sworn in last week.

Ms Heine has been the education minister and is the founder of Women United Together Marshall Islands.

The Marshall Islands had a general election in November, which saw a series of veteran politicians lose office.

     

Author: 
Radio New Zealand International