Jotham Napat has been elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, securing the top post unopposed Tuesday.
Former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, leader of the Reunification Movement for Change, nominated Napat, the MP for Tanna.
The nomination was seconded by Graon Mo Jastis Pati leader, Ralph Regenvanu.
Ishmael Kalsakau, an MP for Port Vila and former prime minister, confirmed there were no other nominations and congratulated Napat on his election.
Former judge Stephen Felix, the MP for Efate Rural Constituency and a member of the Leaders Party, has been elected Speaker of Parliament unopposed.
In his opening remarks, he thanked MPs for their support and urged them to serve with the best interests of Vanuatu in mind.
The House also elected four deputy speakers, all unchallenged:
•John William Timakata (Vanua’aku Party, Shepherds Constituency) – First Deputy Speaker
•Macrellino Barthelemy (Malekula) – Second Deputy Speaker
•Paul Paolo (Graon Mo Jastis Pati, Malekula) – Third Deputy Speaker
•Camillo Ati (Iauko Group, Santo Rural) – Fourth Deputy Speaker
The coalition government made up of Leaders Party, Vanua’aku Party, Graon Mo Jastis Party, Reunification Movement for Change, and the Iauko Group.
