10 Nov 2005

Vanuatu capital to get UMP mayor, sources say

5:20 pm on 10 November 2005

In Vanuatu, a three-party coalition made up of the Vanuaaku Pati, Union of Moderate Parties and the Green Confederation will elect Port Vila's new mayor tomorrow following the municipal elections two weeks ago.

The Coalition parties have won three seats each bringing the majority to nine on the 14-seat council.

Sources close to the political partners have indicated that the new mayor would come from the UMP.

Meanwhile, the former mayor, Patrick Crowby from the National United Party has also won his seat amid rising concerns that he is one of the former councillors who owe the council money which dated back to 2003.

Under the Municipal act, any one who has an outstanding amount of money owing for over two months is not allowed to contest.

The electoral office has said the date on the invoices sent to the successful candidates to pay what they borrowed from the council was September 30th this year even though the borrowing occurred in 2003.