20 Jul 2004

NUP's Ham Lini confident of become next Vanuatu prime minister

1:53 pm on 20 July 2004

The head of Vanuatu's National United Party, Ham Lini, says he is confident of becoming the next prime minister when parliament meets on Monday for the first time since the snap election two weeks ago.

Mr Lini says his coalition has the support of 27 members in the 52-seat parliament while the rival group led by the Union of Moderate Parties also claims to have secured a majority.

He says a list was released last night for the confirmed supporters to sign.

And Mr Lini says his side may be able to entice wavering MPs to allow the list to grow to 29.

"We have two portfolios ther to play around with and from yesterday, some two members of the Green Confederation approached us to try and join us. If they come the two, the number will be 29."

Ham Lini of Vanuatu's National United Party