The Vanuatu government led by Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat maintains that it continues to command majority support in Parliament despite a motion of no-confidence lodged by the Opposition Bloc.
The motion, which is expected to mature for debate next Monday, has been initiated by Malekula MP Gracia Shadrack, with Port Vila MP and Leader of the Opposition Ishmael Kalsakau as seconder.
Nine Opposition MPs have signed the motion, meeting the constitutional threshold required to bring a motion of no-confidence during an Ordinary Session of Parliament.
The MPs named as signatories Kalsakau, Shadrack, Marc Meulsul, Blaise Sumtoh, Anatol Hymak, Andrew Wilbur Napuat, Anthony Harry and Alan Liki. The ninth signatory’s name is yet to be confirmed.
Despite the motion, political sources close to the government have indicated that there has been no indication of a breakdown in support within the governing coalition.
The sources said no ministers had resigned and that the presidents of the political parties forming the coalition government had continued to show support for Napat’s leadership.
A source acknowledged that political discussions could be taking place behind the scenes but maintained that there was currently no official indication that the government had lost its majority in Parliament.
“Yes, there may be discussions behind the scenes, but at the present moment, there is no official sign or indication that the Government has minority numbers,” the source said. The source also pointed to Articles 17A and 17B of the Constitution, which provide for political party affiliation and restrictions governing MPs’ departure from their political parties.
These constitutional provisions are relevant to the current political situation, as any changes in parliamentary party affiliation must comply with the constitutional requirements.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kiery Manassah, assured that the government remains confident in its numbers.
He said now is not the time to return to political instability.
Manassah believes that the government has achieved a lot since taking office, with achievements evident to the public.
He stressed that Vanuatu’s development has suffered during periods of political instability.
Manassah said some of the grounds raised in the Opposition’s motion as “quite laughable” and could lead to legal consequences.
