by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
The Speaker of Parliament in Vanuatu has approved two motions aimed at the removal of both the president and the prime minister of the republic.
Vanuatu is experiencing significant political instability, having seen four prime ministers elected and ousted in the last four years due to votes of no confidence, with a snap election held in 2022 following the dissolution of parliament.
A statement from the Speaker’s Office, dated November 12, 2024, was shared on the official Vanuatu Parliament Facebook page on November 15, 2024.
The motion to remove President Nikenike Vurobaravu was submitted last Thursday, November 7.
According to the Speaker’s Office, both motions have garnered sufficient support to meet constitutional requirements and will be addressed within the designated notice period.
The motion against Prime Minister Charlot Salwai will expire on November 19, while the motion against Vurobaravu will expire on November 21.
A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office described the opposition’s actions this week as “childish.”
Both the government and the opposition assert they hold majority support in parliament. Salwai claims to have 33 of the 52 parliamentary members in his favor, while the opposition maintains they possess an absolute majority backing their no-confidence motion.
Local media have also suggested that a dissolution of parliament could be imminent.
