29 Sep 2014

Latest split in Vanuatu Parlt over Presidential vote

8:16 pm on 29 September 2014

The latest talk in Vanuatu of a possible attempt to unseat the Prime Minister, Joe Natuman, is focussing on dissatisfaction over his backing for Baldwin Lonsdale as the new President.

Mr Lonsdale was voted in by the Electoral College last week after six previous attempts to achieve the necessary two thirds vote had failed.

The Daily Post Newspaper reports that some Government MPs had expected the Prime Minister to back the Nagriamel candidate, Alfred Maliu.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman Photo: Supplied

The paper says the Opposition wants a motion for a vote of no confidence in Mr Natuman to exploit what it sees as a rift in the Government.

Mr Natuman, who has easily withstood several attempts to remove him, has the official backing of 32 MPs.