The Vanuatu Opposition bloc, led by Member of Parliament for Port Vila and President of the Union Moderate of Parties (UMP), Ishmael Kalsakau, chose not to enter Parliament Wednesday, staying outside the chamber.
As a result, there was a lack of the required quorum for the special Parliament sitting.
Parliament was subsequently adjourned due to the absence of the 39 MPs needed for the session.
MP Kalsakau explained that the Opposition’s decision was based on the government’s failure to consult with them regarding the bill to amend the national constitution.
“There was no bipartisan consultation between the government and the Opposition. For a constitutional amendment, consultation between parties is essential, but this did not occur,” Kalsakau said.
The Leader of the Opposition said the Opposition’s actions were meant to show the people of Vanuatu that the government does not have the numbers, which should be 39, to amend the constitution.
Wednesday, 38 MPs were present on the government side.
He stressed that the government’s lack of quorum in the chamber demonstrated its inability to amend the constitution without support from the 13 MPs in the Opposition.
Kalsakau said the first step for the government should be to ensure it has the necessary numbers to change the constitution, rather than relying on the Opposition’s support.
“The government cannot use Parliament to push through decisions. They must respect the laws,” he added.
He also pointed out that certain proposed amendments, particularly those related to the parliamentary system, should undergo consultation and a referendum.
The Opposition is concerned about two of the five amendments scheduled for debate during the session.
The first amendment seeks to prevent Parliament from passing a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister (PM) within 12 months of their election.
The second amendment calls for compulsory participation in the national referendum.
The Opposition has already made its position clear: it will not support the amendment to grant the sitting PM a 12-month grace period.
Before yesterday’s sitting, the Opposition lodged a complaint against PM Napat and four others, alleging involvement in the sale of diplomatic passports.
Reliable sources within the Opposition confirmed that the next step will be to submit a motion of no confidence against PM Napat, with the alleged sale of diplomatic passports being the primary reason.
