Vanuatu opposition pushes for no confidence vote against Natapei

The Vanuatu Opposition has called for an extraordinary session of Parliament to debate a motion of no confidence in the Vanuatu Prime Minister, Edward Natapei.

The leader of the opposition, Maxime Carlot Korman, said he has the backing of 27 of the 52 MPs.

Radio NZ reported that Carlot Korman said if the Speaker of Parliament, George Wells, accepts their motions, the extraordinary session could take place next Monday.

He claimed that 9 government back benchers have joined with the 18 current Opposition members to submit the motion.

Yesterday Carlot Korman accused Natapei of causing division in the Melanesian Spearhead Group by cancelling July's summit in Fiji.

He said Natapei no longer commands the majority and should resign with immediate effect.

Natapei is currently in Japan on official business.

Meanwhile Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama confirmed to Fijivillage last week that Fiji will be handed the MSG Chairmanship this week after Vanuatu hands it to the Solomon Islands.

He said this is clearly a face-saving measure for Natapei who refused to hand the Chairmanship to Fiji in July.



Story by: Vijay Narayan