Former Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) Commander and senior officer of the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) – Kalshem Bongran – from Southwest Bay, Malekula, has been appointed Commissioner of Police (COMPOL), emerging as the successful candidate among seven others.
Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), John Taleo, confirmed this to the Vanuatu Daily Post following the appointment by President Nikenike Vurobaravu on the advice of the PSC, after consultation with the Minister of Internal Affairs.
The appointment was made on 26 May and published in the Official Gazette Tuesday (27 May).
The Daily Post was informed that eight male applicants applied for the COMPOL position after former COMPOL Robson Iavro resigned on 16 December 2024 and successfully contested to become a Member of Parliament (MP).
Of the eight applicants, three were shortlisted: Acting COMPOL Willie Samuel, Acting Commander of the VMF Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson Ben, and Bongran.
The PSC then appointed three independent panellists who conducted interviews with the shortlisted candidates last week. In the end, 53-year-old Bongran scored highest, and the panellists submitted their evaluation reports to the PSC.
The Commission endorsed Bongran’s name following consultation with Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat, who accepted the recommendation.
The Chairman then met and briefed the Head of State, presenting documented evidence and the recommendation, which led to Bongran’s appointment.
PSC Chairman Taleo thanked the President for his time and consideration, the Minister of Internal Affairs for prior consultation, the Director General of Internal Affairs, the panellists for their diligence during the interviews, and the PSC team for ensuring the appointment adhered to due process.
COMPOL Bongran’s contract is for a five-year term, with a review scheduled after three years.
