The Speaker of Parliament of Vanuatu Gracia Shadrack has resigned today amid a dispute with the government of the prime minister Bob Loughman.
Last week, Shadrack declared the seats of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister and 16 other government MPs vacant for missing three sittings of parliament.
The government challenged the move and a hearing of its constitutional application was due today seeking his removal.
However, the hearing was cancelled after an agreement of the lawyers for both parties following the resignation of the speaker.
Parliament resume this afternoon for Shadrack to tender his resignation in the chamber.
SOURCE: RNZ PACIFIC/PACNEWS
