21 Feb 2014

Dissolution of parliament mooted in Vanuatu

2:19 pm on 21 February 2014

There is speculation in Vanuatu that parliament could be dissolved as rival blocs prepare for next week's vote on a motion of no confidence against the prime minister, Moana Carcasses.

Attempts by Mr Carcasses to appoint replacements for three ministers who resigned this week have so far not been successful.

Until today, the opposition bloc has maintained its 27 members and Mr Carcasses has the support of 24.

A government minister says if the number is unchanged before the planned vote on Monday, the government sees no option but to request the head of state to dissolve the parliament.

Opposition sources say if the motion is passed, the new government will try to suspend from the parliament Mr Carcasses, the lands minister, Ralph Regenvanu, the foreign minister, Edward Natapei and the health minister, Serge Vohor .