Multiple sources from registered political parties have confirmed that a possible motion of no confidence against Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat is brewing ahead of the upcoming Ordinary Parliamentary Session.
The sources told the Vanuatu Daily Post that early discussions have begun to test support for the motion. At present, efforts are reportedly underway to secure the required numbers.
The Leader of the Opposition, President of the Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) and a Member of Parliament (MP) for Port Vila, Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, said the possibility of a motion cannot be dismissed.
“There are certainly grounds for the motion of no confidence,” MP Kalsakau said.
Another government MP, speaking on condition of anonymity, also acknowledged awareness of the speculation. “I have heard rumblings. But I do not think that it will be successful,” the MP said.
In a related development, a Special Sitting of Parliament has been called for Wednesday, 30 April at 2pm. MPs will meet to deliberate on proposed constitutional amendments. The session is expected to draw further attention to internal disagreements, as some MPs have already voiced opposition to parts of the proposed changes.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament formally summoned the First Ordinary Session of 2025 Wednesday afternoon. The session is scheduled to commence on 08 May, with a legislative agenda containing 19 Bills to be debated and potentially passed.
The government currently holds 36 seats in Parliament, including the Speaker, while the Opposition commands 16. However, sources close to the developments note that while the government maintains a numerical majority, internal cohesion remains in question.
With both the Special Sitting and the Ordinary Session drawing near, political tensions are rising, and all eyes are turning to Parliament.
The 19 Bills listed for debate during the First Ordinary Session are: the Bill for the Electrical Works Safety; Resident Entity (Economic Substance); Resident Entity (Economic Substance) (Consequential Amendments); Public Service; Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions); Ratification of Certain Conventions; Utilities Regulatory Authority (Amendment); Public Holidays (Amendment); Government Contracts and Tenders (Amendment); Public Finance and Economic Management (Amendment); Passports (Amendment); Government Remuneration Tribunal (Amendment); Parliament (Members’ Expenses and Allowances); Harmful Digital Communications (Amendment); Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (Amendment); Supplementary Appropriation (2025); Land Reform (Amendment); and Foreign Services (Amendment).
