10 Sep 2014

Call to dissolve Vanuatu parliament

8:31 pm on 10 September 2014

A Vanuatu opposition MP says the only solution to the current political instability is to dissolve parliament.

The Banks and Torres constituency MP, Christophe Emelee, says since the general elections in 2012 there have been constant changes of government and motions of no confidence.

Mr Emelee says this has affected Vanuatu financially, as public money has been used to pay gratuity payments for politicians when the government changes.

He says that money should be spent on government services delivery such as water supply and constructions of new classrooms.

Mr Emelee says there are more than six MPs who constantly change their affiliation in parliament for their personal interests.

He says there are MPs of the outer islands who spend most of their time in Port Vila to sign the motions, despite their voters not being consulted.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman Photo: Supplied

Meanwhile, a Spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Vanuatu says plans are underway for a political reform that will tighten the involvement of foreigners funding political activities in the future.

Last week the government deported Australian Lawyer Robert Herd amid allegations he was involved in funding a no confidence motion against the Prime Minister Joe Natuman.

Kiery Manassah says the reforms aim to protect political stability.

When the government starts the process of trying to bring about some kind of political reform to address instability issues and definitely that is an issue that will have to be clarified and made clear in the reforms that's being planned by the government.

Kiery Manassah