The Vanuatu Opposition bloc has lodged a detailed motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Jotham Napat on Monday.
The Opposition has raised six grounds in support of the motion including unfair allocation of ministerial portfolios, irregular allocation and administration of Value Addition Investment Capital Fund (VAICF), and alleged interference in the detention of LC Mahalia.
Other concerns include favouring political and personnel associates over the people, failure to protect education and respond to teachers’ concerns, and diversion of Pekoa Airport funding and failure to support infrastructure development outside Port Vila.
Regarding unfair allocation of ministerial portfolios, the Opposition stressed that the PM had formed an executive that excludes Malekula from ministerial positions, despite the island being represented in Parliament by seven MPs.
The Opposition claimed that the handling of the VT180 million VAICF shows that the PM has not taken sufficient steps to protect public money or hold those responsible to account, said the Opposition.
Opposition accused the PM of directing the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority to release LC Mahalia to transport public servants and equipment to Mota Lava for Public Service Day Open Day.
The PM was also accused of using his power to protect the commercial interests of a close political associate while leaving custom owners and residents at Solomon Hill on Santo at risk of losing their land and homes.
Opposition said that the continued delay of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) shows the government’s failure to give the welfare of teachers and children the attention it requires.
Parliament has allocated VT1 billion for the refurbishment and upgrading of Pekoa Airport to enable it to receive long-haul international flights.
The funds were diverted to tarseal roads in and around Port Vila and the government has not secured approval in the 2026 budget session to replenish those funds, according to the Opposition.
This has placed Santo’s development behind further road works in the capital and has deprived the northern islands of an important infrastructure investment, said the Opposition.
Opposition said PM Napat fails to ensure that Pekoa Airport funding is restored and upgrade proceeds demonstrates a lack of commitment to decentralisation.
The motion was signed by nine MPs, which is the maximum numbers of MPs allowed during an Ordinary Session of Parliament.
These MPs are Ishmael Kalsakau, Gracia Shadrack, Marc Meulsul, Blaise Sumtoh, Anatol Hymak, Andrew Wilbur Napuat, Anthony Harry and MP for Alan Liki.
The mover of the motion is Malekula MP Shadrack and the seconder is Port Vila MP and Leader of the Opposition Kalsakau.
