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Vanuatu Prime Minister

Vanuatu and China Governments Sign 13 MOUs in Beijing

by admin July 13, 2024

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The Vanuatu Government and the People’s Republic of China have signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in Beijing, marking a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between the two nations.

The signing ceremony took place yesterday and was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries.

According to Hilaire Bule, the Government Public Relations Officer (PRO), the MOUs were signed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Johnny Koanapo, and the Minister of Lands, Rick Tchamako Mahe.

They signed on behalf of Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai, while the Premier of China, Li Qiang, represented the Chinese government.

The MOUs cover a wide range of development sectors in Vanuatu, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure projects.

One of the key areas highlighted is road improvement. Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, has been flooded with numerous complaints regarding road conditions.

These agreements promise significant enhancements in the condition and beautification of the city’s roads, addressing long-standing concerns of the residents.

The signing of these MOUs followed bilateral talks between PM Salwai and Premier Li.

Earlier in the day, PM Salwai was honoured with a guard of honor, a traditional mark of respect, before engaging in the detailed discussions with his Chinese counterpart.

These talks laid the groundwork for the agreements that were subsequently formalised.

In addition to infrastructure, there is also an MOU focused on the media sector.

This particular agreement aims to enhance the production and coverage capabilities of the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC).

The enhancement of VBTC‘s capabilities is expected to significantly improve the quality and reach of broadcasting in Vanuatu, providing better information and entertainment services to the populace.

PM Salwai’s visit to China also included a meeting with the President of China yesterday, which took place at 7PM Vanuatu time.

This meeting further solidified the commitments and understanding between the two nations.

Following his engagements in Beijing, PM Salwai departed for Hong Kong yesterday evening. From there, he and his delegation will continue their journey to Japan today, where they will participate in the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM).

ezra@dailypost.vu

Source: Daily Post

July 13, 2024 0 comments

PM hints reason why WP not given MSG membership

by admin May 8, 2024

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Port Vila – While Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai is engaging with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Law Office on the historical demand for West Papua freedom, he said the question that needs to be clarified is that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) is a political organisation and not a country to represent the people of West Papua.

The PM made the hint to the members of Vanuatu Free West Papua Committee (VFWPC) that met with him at his Office last week, to brief him on the West Papua issue.

He indicated that this seems to be the handicap for all member countries of MSG all voting to support ULMWP’s Application for full membership.

But he said the original stand for Vanuatu as declared by the late Prime Minister, Father Walter Lini, remains unchanged for West Papua to enjoy the same political freedom, that Vanuatu is enjoying today following its freedom which was achieved approximately 24 year ago on July 30 of 1980.

However following his presentation of the summary of the West Papua Struggle and where the VFWPC is, regarding its efforts to rally all member countries to stand for ULMWP’s Application for full membership of MSG, the Prime Minister replied that in line with the original spirit for full political freedom for West Papua, Vanuatu has its own position but that it would be the only member country to support such a stand (if it voted on it).

Vanuatu’s Special Envoy to West Papua, Mr. Morris Kaloran said ULMWP recognises PM Salwai for his outstanding contribution towards enabling ULMWP’s historic birth at the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs’ Nasara in Port Vila over nine years ago.

“We view your vital contribution to the birth of a West Papua boy in Port Vila going ten years ago with utmost respect,” Mr. Kaloran said.

“We made our appointment to meet you Mr. Prime Minister and you availed your valuable time to come down to our level to listen to us.

“We tried our utmost best to organise a similar meeting with your predecessor to meet with him just before the MSG Summit last year, but he was too busy to meet us.

“Now we take this opportunity to thank you for your positive response despite your busy schedule. We thank your Private Secretary, Mr. Victor Rory, for facilitating this meeting.”

The Special Envoy said the Legislative Council of ULMWP under Interim President, Mr. Benny Wenda, has set up three roadmaps for West Papua.

(a) ULMWP issue with MSG to become a full member.

(b) Importance of lobbying for Indonesia to allow the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Commissioner to visit West Papua on a fact-finding mission to West Papua.

(d) For the Vanuatu Government to furnish the Office of West Papua in Port Vila. Basically the office lacks relevant furniture and equipment to operate as an international office.

While PM Salwai “is holding the MSG spear still” until it is handed over to the Fiji PM, Mr. Sitiveni Rabuka, to host the next MSG Summit, the Special Envoy appealed to the PM to consider supporting ULMWP’s Application to become a full member of MSG or to support the call to suspend or cancel Indonesia’s Associate Membership of MSG.

In addition, the Special Envoy briefed PM Salwai on Mr. Wenda’s lobbying internationally with the West Papua International Committee in England and an increasing number of countries in Europe on reports of continuing alleged human rights abuse on the population of West Papua, and to support ULMWP’s call for the freedom of West Papua.

“It is most unfortunate that for the last 60 years or so, the Dutch who were the former colonisers of West Papua, had been silent on the issues of the Melanesian country,” Mr. Kaloran said.

“However it looks as if the Dutch parliament is opening up and International Parliamentarian for West Papua and ULMWP President, Mr. Wenda, have had the opportunity to meet with a (Dutch) body called Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Committee.

“Finally Mr. Prime Minister, ULMWP is a child of Vanuatu born at the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs in Port Vila in 2014.

“At the time when Mr. Joe Natuman was Prime Minister, he spent approximately Vt15 million to fund the arrival and formation of the ULMWP represented by different warring factions from within West Papua, on behalf of our Malvatumauri National Council of chiefs.

“ULMWP was born and Vanuatu achieved a historic milestone no one had believed possible because the warring factions ceased their differences and became united under the ULMWP umbrella.”

May 8, 2024 0 comments

Vanuatu West Papua

ULMWP President in Vanuatu to establish office

by admin February 6, 2024

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United Liberation Movement of West Papua’s (ULMWP) Interim President, Mr. Benny Wenda, arrived at Port Vila International Airport yesterday as the first ever ULMWP President to be elected by over 5,000 indigenous delegates from within West Papua.

He was welcomed on his arrival by a delegation of the Maraki Vanua Riki Council of Chiefs of SHEFA Province that displayed the West Papua Flag to confirm that West Papua’s adoption by SHEFA Province is safe in the powerful hands of the Chiefs of SHEFA.

His usual trade mark smile to the Chiefs and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Morris Kaloran and the Head of Foreign Mission Mr. Freddy Waromi, confirmed that President Wenda’s latest visit is not the same as his previous visits because his current visit carries the mandate of his people following his unanimous election in Jayapura during the ULMWP Congress from November 20-23 last year.

Mr. Wenda confirmed on his arrival that he is here to set up his Office in the ULMWP International Centre on the land provided to the people of West Papua by the Vanuatu Government. In fact, he has confirmed this time that he is not in a hurry to return to London as he has the necessary travel documents to set up his Office in Port Vila.

To the Chiefs, Churches, the Government and people of SHEFA and Vanuatu, President Wenda said he is confident that he has arrived with a mandate plotted by God to take his people in the direction that he is taking.

After his long trip from London, he rested at his hotel for the night.

President Wenda is expected to attend his official welcome ceremony at SHEFA Provincial Headquarters hosted by the President of SHEFA Province, Mr. Kalmer Tom Kalwatman this afternoon beginning at 3 o’clock this afternoon.

The ceremony also includes ULMWP’s Interim Prime Minister. However it is understood that travelling out of West Papua is not easy so it is likely that he would not be able to be present this time. But the Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Mr. Ralph Regenvanu has assured the Chiefs of SHEFA that he will also be present, an indication that is understood to be welcomed by the ULMWP President. Mr. Regenvanu has always been on the frontline to speak for the freedom of the people of West Papua.

Siurce: VDP

February 6, 2024 0 comments

Vanuatu

Vanuatu Government Reshuffle Promotes Unity and Collaboration

by admin December 14, 2023

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The appointment of Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanna Constituency and Secretary General (SG) of Vanua’aku Pati (VP), Johnny Koanapo, as the new Minister of Internal Affairs was sanctioned by the VP national executive council .

This simply means the Internal Affairs ministerial portfolio in the current coalition Government led by Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai belongs to VP, not an individual MP.

Minister Koanapo made this clear following his appointment by PM Salwai yesterday, replacing MP Rick Tchamako Mahe of the Reunification Movement for Change (RMC) in a strategic move to foster unity within the government.

The reshuffle occurred in response to the PM’s letter addressing stability issues in the government. The letter focused on the importance of political parties striving for unity and aligning their approaches.

According to the letter, PM Salwai is extending ministerial portfolios to political parties not yet part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), subject to individual consultations and negotiations. The letter also noted that if other political parties wish to change their ministers, it is within their discretion.

Minister Koanapo expressed gratitude to the PM for VP’s appointment and the confidence given upon them. He also acknowledged the ongoing connection with the PM, despite political differences, as they recognise a common destiny.

“I am pleased that we have collaborated on ideas with PM Salwai and the Head of State, leading to this point where the PM is initiating these commitments. The position I hold as the Minister of Internal Affairs belongs to VP, and I believe we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to stabilising the country,” Minister Koanapo said.

“We may have reached a stage where both sides of the government converge on decisions, prioritising bills that everyone will support.”

The new Internal Affairs Minister commented on the historical significance of both sides of Parliament reaching a consensus on bills, particularly the Constitutional amendment scheduled for a special sitting on Tuesday next week.

“We, the Vanua’aku Pati, are proud in presenting on both sides to pass the bills that the people of Vanuatu have been eagerly awaiting. We will continue to work towards achieving our planned objectives during the parliamentary sessions,” he concluded.

PM Salwai said the initiative began in 2008, 2009, and 2016 when the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) made recommendations. Unfortunately, there has been no opportunity to pass and regulate political parties.

“We need all political parties to be involved, adhering to the commitments we made in front of the President of the Republic of Vanuatu. Additionally, there is a commitment in Parliament that both the Government and the Opposition made when withdrawing motions, with the aim of working on how every political party can participate,” he said.

“Currently, there is only one party that has not yet joined the government side. However, I believe the others are already present in the government. While this may not accurately reflect the numbers, it is a starting point to ensure there are enough votes to pass the Constitutional amendment and the Political Parties Registration bill.

“This will impact municipalities, decentralisation, and charitable organisations. At the same time, it will limit the timeframe for motions. After the election of a Prime Minister, we propose allowing a 12-month period before a motion can be lodged.”

The PM said allowing the elected government time to plan and implement is crucial. However, this has not happened yet, as often the motivation behind motions is more about someone aspiring to become a minister rather than reflecting a genuine evaluation of the government’s work.

“This afternoon, I am glad. Last week, we had discussions with the Rural Development Party and other parties, and today it is Vanua’aku Pati’s turn. We have been working on this issue since then, even though they are on the Opposition side. Nevertheless, we persist, especially now with the Minister of Internal Affairs. We have put in effort to work on this so that we can find a way forward to address political instability,” PM Salwai said.

“I would like to acknowledge the President of Vanua’aku Pati, Bob Loughman, and his executive for the decision of the national executive council to join the government. VP is a political party that started the walk to our independence in 1980 and I trust that their coming will help to work and address the political stability of the country since it is a party that started in the beginning and remains alive today.

“It’s just the beginning, but I promise to keep working to better represent the political party’s members. First and foremost, though, we wanted to include everyone in the government so that we could solve issues that impact the whole nation.”

It is said to be the first time in the history of VP since Vanuatu’s independence that the VP President does not have a ministerial portfolio.

VP President and Leader of Opposition, Bob Loughman, told Vanuatu Daily Post yesterday that the appointment of Minister Koanapo is part of ongoing discussions for Vanuatu to have a GNU, and the reason why MP Koanapo become a Minister was because that was his (Loughman’s) choice.

It remains to be seen how many VP MPs will be sitting on the Opposition side when Parliament convenes for the 7^thExtraordinary Session at 8.30am today.

doddy@dailypost.vu

December 14, 2023 0 comments

Vanuatu PM Charlot Salwai (LEFT) and new deputy PM Matai Seremaiah (RIGHT)

Politics Vanuatu

Matai Seremaiah is new Vanuatu deputy Prime Minister

by admin October 12, 2023

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The Vanuatu Member of Parliament representing Luganville Constituency, Matai Seremaiah, has assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) within the newly elected coalition government led by Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.

PM Salwai announced Seremaiah’s appointment Monday, following his election by parliament last Friday.

During the appointment of the 12 new ministers, the PM had indicated his intention to select his deputy later in the week.

Among the 12 newly appointed ministers, 10 have previous experience as ministers within the coalition government led by Ishmael Kalsakau.

Notable appointments include Ralph Regenvanu, MP for Port Vila, as Minister of Climate Change; John Salong, MP for Ambrym, as Minister of Finance and Economic Management; Matai Seremaiah, MP for Luganville, as both Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and External Trade; Nako Natuman, MP for Tanna, as Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity; John Still Tari Qetu, MP for Ambae, as Minister of Health; John Amos, MP for Tongoa, as Minister of Justice and Community Services; John William Timakata, MP for Shepherds, as Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; Tomker Netvunei, MP for TAFEA Outer Islands, as Minister of Youth Development and Sports; Christophe Claude Emelee, MP for TORBA, as Minister of Education; and Rick Mahe, MP for Santo Rural, as Minister of Internal Affairs.

The two newly introduced ministers are both Malekula MPs: Don Ken, appointed as the new Minister of Public Utilities, and Anatole Hymack, who assumes the role of Minister of Trade and Commerce

Meanwhile, Vanuatu Parliament is set to engage in a debate regarding the motion to suspend and remove Gracia Shadrack, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Malekula constituency today.

Confirmation of this motion’s listing for today’s discussion was provided by the Speaker’s office to the Daily Post Monday.
The office of the Speaker clarified that there is only one motion on today’s agenda. Following the approval of Shadrack’s removal, Parliament will proceed to elect a new First Deputy Speaker.

The motion to suspend MP Shadrack stems from his conduct during the 3rd Extraordinary Session of Parliament on 16 August 2023, when he openly threatened to set fire to the parliament. The former Opposition bloc, now in the Government, perceives Shadrack’s threats as a potential threat to the safety and security of Parliament and its staff.

The motion to suspend and remove Shadrack was listed for debate with the motion of no confidence against then Prime Minister Sato Kilman during the current 5th Extraordinary session of 2023.

This is not the first time that the Malekula MP has faced suspension from Parliament. He had previously been suspended during the last 13th Legislature by the current Speaker of Parliament, Seoule Simeon. His suspension was initially scheduled to end in 2024 when the 13th Legislature was supposed to conclude. However, Vanuatu underwent snap elections last year after the dissolution of Parliament, and Shadrack was successfully re-elected.

The duration of Shadrack’s suspension will be determined by Parliament during today’s proceedings.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST/PACNEWS

October 12, 2023 0 comments

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.. By Hilaire Bule

Vanuatu

Salwai Gov’t Unlawful: Opposition

by admin October 12, 2023

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The Opposition bloc of former Prime Minister (PM) Sato Kilman has raised concerns over the election of Charlot Salwai, Member of Parliament (MP) of Pentecost and President of the Reunification Movement of Change (RMC), as the new PM during the parliamentary session last Friday.

Former PM Kilman alleged that Salwai’s election was unlawful because it relied on the signatures of only 26 MPs instead of the required 27, which constitutes the absolute majority among the 52 MPs.

During a press conference held at the parliament yesterday, Kilman commented on the need to await the court’s judgment to determine the legality of the Extraordinary session last Friday rather than rushing decisions. He stated that they are currently in a holding pattern, awaiting the court’s decision before appointing the Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy Leader.

Furthermore, members of the former government, now part of the opposition in parliament, decided not to nominate representatives to various parliamentary committees. The opposition also questioned the government’s legitimacy, suggesting that if Salwai relies on the 26 signatures, his government should have fewer than 13 ministries.

In a previous press conference, the former opposition led by current PM Salwai had criticised Kilman’s appointment of 13 ministers, arguing that it was disproportionate to the absolute majority of 26 votes among the 51 MPs present. They alleged that one of the ministers had been illegally appointed.

Today at 10 o’clock, a conference will take place at the Dumber Court House to address the former government’s case. Their legal counsel, Justin Ngwele, stated that they will seek court intervention to determine the legality of the last Friday’s parliament sitting.

If the court accepts Ngwele’s application, it could potentially invalidate Kilman’s coalition government, rendering Salwai’s government unconstitutional. This would also impact the termination and suspension of MP Gracia Shadrack as First Deputy Speaker and his replacement by former PM Ishmael Kalsakau.

Rex Issachar, the Public Relations Officer of the office of the PM, said the parliamentary session held last Friday followed a court order issued on Thursday. He maintained that only the court can determine the constitutionality of Salwai’s election.

Source: VDP

October 12, 2023 0 comments

Vanuatu

Contempt of Court allegations against former PM and lawyer

by admin October 12, 2023

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The legal counsel of the Speaker of Parliament, Sakiusa Kalsakau, filed an urgent application in the Supreme Court yesterday for alleged contempt of court against the former Prime Minister (PM), Sato Kilman, and his legal counsel, Justin Ngwele.

Mr. Kalsakau informed the Daily Post yesterday afternoon that Mr. Kilman, through Mr. Ngwele, wrote a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Seoule Simeon, which he considered a misrepresentation of the court order and therefore constituting contempt.

“Mr. Justin Ngwele and/or Mr. Sato Kilman be punished for contempt of court. Such other orders deemed necessary and just,” Mr. Sakiusa stated.

He alleged that Mr. Ngwele’s letter to Mr. Simeon, which stated, “should you continue with the convocation of parliament pursuant to the request referred to above, it is our strong view that you will be in breach of court order and potentially liable for contempt of court,” misrepresented the court order.

Speaker Simeon revealed to the parliament yesterday afternoon that he had received the letter from Mr. Kilman’s legal counsel, advising him not to proceed with the parliamentary session after the morning adjournment. However, he had also received advice from Mr. Kalsakau to proceed with the parliamentary agenda, including the debate on the motion against Mr. Kilman.

In Mr. Ngwele’s letter to the Speaker, he stated, “We represent Meltek Sato Kilman Livtunvanu, the (then) Prime Minister of Vanuatu. We are aware that parliament has purported to be convened today pursuant to the request of the Speaker dated 25 September 2023, signed by 26 Members of Parliament to debate a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister.”

He continued by highlighting the constitutional requirement that such a request must be made by a majority of the Members of Parliament (MPs), which, in this case, would require the support of 27 out of 52 MPs. Mr. Ngwele argued that the request was made under the assumption that Bruno Leingkone Tau’s seat was vacant, and with only 51 MPs at the time, the request was invalid.

Mr. Ngwele further mentioned that Mr. Leingkone had sought the court’s intervention regarding the announcement of his seat vacancy, and an appeal court had granted a stay order on Thursday, ensuring that Mr. Leingkone’s seat should not be considered vacant until the appeal’s determination. Therefore, the request for the parliamentary session was unconstitutional.

He also reminded the Speaker of his obligation to comply with Parliament Standing Orders, particularly Standing Order 10(5), which prevents the Speaker from voting on a motion except in the event of a tie. Mr. Ngwele requested the Speaker’s undertaking to adjourn the consideration of the motion of no confidence until the appeal was resolved.

The Speaker was cautioned that any breach of the Appeal Court’s order would be regarded as contempt, both by the Speaker and any person disregarding the order.

During the parliamentary session yesterday afternoon, the then Leader of Government Business, Xavier Iauko, argued that the session could not be convened because only 26 MPs had requested the 5th Extraordinary session, falling short of the required 27 signatures.

Mr. Simeon countered that at the time of the request on September 25th, there were only 51 MPs due to Mr. Leingkone’s vacant seat, and the Appeal Court had ruled that the absolute majority required was 26 votes. He ruled that parliament should proceed with its business.

The Speaker’s ruling led to protests from Mr. Kilman’s side, concluding in their exit from the parliamentary chambers.

Source: VDP

October 12, 2023 0 comments

Featured Vanuatu

Charlot Salwai elected prime minister of Vanuatu

by admin October 7, 2023

written by admin

Vanuatu’s prime minister Sato Kilman has been voted out through a motion-of-no-confidence in the country’s parliament this afternoon in Port Vila.

The motion was carried by a show of hands, with 27 votes, in the absence of the government bench which had vacated the floor in protest ahead of the motion being moved.

Charlot Salwai was then nominated as the sole candidate for prime minister and was duly-elected by secret ballot with 29 votes in the absence again of the MPs on the other side of the house.

Salwai was previously prime minister from February 2016 up until the general election in 2020.

Immediately after the vote Salwai took his oath and was installed as the new prime minister of the Republic of Vanuatu.

In his acceptance speech Salwai apologised to the Vanuatu public for the ongoing “political crises” which have seen four prime ministers elected now in the the space of three years.

He also thanked police for keeping the peace and thanked citizens for respecting the law and each other.

Salwai, who is the leader of the Reunification Movement for Change Party, thanked all of the MPs who voted for him and in particular the leaders of the three major political parties in this coalition government; Ishmael Kalsakau Ma’aukoro from the Union of Moderate Parties, Jotham Napat of the Leaders Party and Ralph Regenvanu of the Graon Mo Jastis Party.

Salwai says Vanuatu is facing many challenges economically, socially and environmentally with climate change, and he acknowledged the added impacts that political instability were having on local businesses and society at large.

“It has not yet been 12 months since the initial establishment of the government of honourable Ma’aukoro which he led following the snap election in October of 2022 yet today is the second time that we have changed the government,” Salwai said speaking in Bislama.

“I say sorry to the last government but we exist in this system of democracy where when the weight of the number of members moves to one side a change of government follows.”

Following the prime minister’s speech Parliament was adjourned until 8:30am next Tuesday 10 October.

Sato Kilman – pictured during a visit to Russia in March 2015 Photo: Vladimir Pesnya / RIA Novosti

Government walk-out

The ousted prime minister Sato Kilman only came to power last month in a similar leadership challenge mounted against the then prime minister Kalsakau.

In fact the current parliament was elected through a snap election in 2022 which was triggered by then prime minister Bob Loughman before a challenge against his leadership could be mounted.

The walk-out staged this afternoon by the now former government MPs came about after they had argued unsuccessfully against the validity of today’s sitting.

This is in light of an ongoing court of appeal case for one of their members, Bruno Leingkone, whose seat had been vacated by the speaker last week on the basis that the MP had missed three consecutive parliament sittings without the express consent of the speaker’s office, while receiving medical care in South Korea.

The now opposition grouping were also trying to argue that because of the appeal case today’s vote-of-no-confidence should have been conducted as if the 52 member house were at full complement.

This would have raised the threshold for an absolute majority which is required to unseat a prime minister.

Uncertain future

Despite the one-sided affair in parliament this afternoon the political instability in Vanuatu is likely to continue with only a handful of MPs required to shift the balance of power.

Before staging their walk-out members on the other side of the house had also indicated they would likely challenge the legality of this afternoon’s proceedings in court.

The immediate challenge facing the newly elected prime minister in forming his cabinet over the weekend will be keeping everybody in his new coalition government happy as he divvies out portfolios.

Source: RNZ

October 7, 2023 0 comments

Vanuatu

More MPs defect to opposition ahead of leadership challenge in Vanuatu

by admin October 3, 2023

written by admin

The opposition group in Vanuatu appears to have secured the support of more MPs than the government.

An extraordinary parliament sitting was called on Monday to debate a vote of no-confidence in the recently installed Prime Minister, Sato Kilman.

On the opposition side 26 MPs turned up but only two government MPs showed face; Vanua’aku Party MP for Malekula, Esmon Sae, and his counterpart from Malo constituency, Wesley Rasu.

The other 22 MPs loyal to government boycotted the session forcing an adjournment until Friday due to the lack of a quorum.

Kilman losing support

Sato Kilman started losing support just three weeks after he was installed having himself defected from former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau.

Last week the Minister of Sports, John Tari Qetu, quit and signed the motion-of-no-confidence that was deposited by the opposition.

Sato Kilman promptly replaced Mr Qetu with the MP for Ambrym, Bruno Leingkone.

A day later the Speaker of Parliament, Seoule Simeon, declared Mr Leingkone’s parliamentary seat vacant because he had missed three consecutive Parliament sittings without a leave of absence.

Bruno Leingkone mounted a legal challenge to his dismissal but the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the speaker’s decision and denied an application by Mr Leingkone’s counsel to stay proceedings. The now former MP has indicated he would be appealing the Supreme Court’s decision.

Also on Monday in parliament the Minister of Trade, Commerce and Tourism, Samson Samsen was seen sitting with the opposition group.

This Friday prime minister Sato Kilman may see his support base reduced even further with a motion in place to suspend another of his MPs the current Deputy Speaker for Parliament, Gracia Shadrack.

The opposition is accusing the MP for Malekula of making a threatening statement during a parliament sitting last month.

They allege Mr Shadrack threatened to burn Parliament down, when the Speaker refused to grant permission for Bruno Leingkone, who was admitted in a South Korean hospital at the time, to vote via virtual link on a no-confidence-motion against then Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsaku.

Sato Kilman Photo: RNZ Pacific/Hilaire Bule

Opposition confident for Friday’s motion

Opposition leader Charlot Salwai said that Shadrack’s actions put the safety of Parliament and everyone who works in the building at risk.

In a press conference on Monday Charlot Salwai said his 26 MPs were ‘solid’ and ready to topple prime minister Sato Kilman.

If the opposition numbers hold until Friday then Sato Kilman could be ousted by a very similar margin to the one his side registered against the former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau in August.

The status quo in Vanuatu will likely continue up until 4 November – marking a year in the life of the current parliament – which is when the council of ministers will again be allowed to request the President of the Republic of Vanuatu to dissolve parliament in the face of ongoing instability or a political impasse.

Source: RNZ

October 3, 2023 0 comments

Vanuatu

Kilman Leads New Gov’t

by admin September 5, 2023

written by admin

The national Parliament of Vanuatu elected the Member of Parliament (MP) for Malekula Constituency and the President of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Sato Kilman, as the country’s new Prime Minister (PM) last night, following a month of political crisis.

Mr. Kilman secured 27 votes in his favor, while the outgoing PM, Ishmael Kalsakau, received 23 votes. This decision came as a significant development in the midst of Vanuatu’s political turmoil.

Vanuatu’s Parliament comprises 52 seats, but the absence of the President of the National United Party (NUP), Bruno Leingkone, who is in Korea for medical treatment, and one vacant seat in the Malekula constituency, reduced the effective count to 50 MPs present during the session, including the Speaker, Seoule Simeon. However, following the upcoming by-elections in Malekula this week on Thursday, the absolute majority of MPs will be 27, which Mr. Kilman was able to secure.

Mr. Kilman is no stranger to the position of Vanuatu’s PM. He was previously elected PM on December 2010, November 2012 and June 2015. Additionally, Mr. Kilman has held various ministerial portfolios, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Leader of the Opposition.

His most recent position before becoming the new PM was Deputy PM and Minister of Lands, from which he was terminated by Mr. Kalsakau.

Notably, Mr. Kilman’s PPP was a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Aquana camp, which ultimately led to Mr. Kalsakau’s election as the new PM on November 4, 2022, following the snap election triggered by the dissolution of parliament by the then PM, Loughman, at the request of the Council of Ministers (COM).

In a media conference at the Parliament House just hours before his election yesterday, Mr. Kilman expressed his commitment to establishing a stable government that addresses the needs of the entire nation.

He pledged, “I can assure you that the new government will try its best to ensure that we reflect a government that will look after the whole country.

“As the new PM, I can assure everyone that I will do my very best to communicate with other political leaders to bring an end to instability in Vanuatu.”

Following his appointment as PM, Mr. Kilman announced his cabinet, which included notable figures such as Bob Loughman as Deputy PM and Minister of Lands, Johnny Koanapo as Finance Minister, James Bule as Minister of Justice, and John Still Tari Qetu as Minister of Sports. Other key appointments included Samuel Kalpoilep as Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Forestry, and Biosecurity, Jay Ngwele as Public Utilities Minister, Samsen Samson as Minister of Trade, Ulrich Sumptoh as Minister of Climate Change, Anthony Iauko as Minister of Internal Affairs, Silas Bule as Minister of Education, Joshua Pikioune as Minister of Health, and Marc Ati returning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the Opposition’s press conference before the parliamentary session, the former Leader of the Opposition, MP Loughman, noted that Mr. Kilman’s extensive experience in the role of PM made him their preferred candidate for the position.