Two MPs in Vanuatu want PM to stop mandatory Covid vaccination
Two Vanuatu MPs, Andrew Napuat and John Salong are urging the Prime Minister, Bob Loughman to stop the mandatory Covid vaccination on Vanuatu's citizens.
Their lawyer, Jack Kilu wrote to the Attorney General, Kiel Loughman saying mandatory vaccination violates peoples' fundamental rights protected under the constitution.
Andrew Napuat and John Salong Photo: Hilaire Bule
Mr Kilu said some people do not wish to be vaccinated but the government and the Department of Health continue to demand that every eligible person must be vaccinated.
He said not only is there no legal basis for the mandatory push on vaccines, but it also appears to be a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms under article 5 of the constitution.
The lawyer said if there is no response to his letter court proceedings will ensue.
Political upheaval in Tonga
There is a political upheaval in Tonga with the ousting of three MPs after they were found guilty of attempting to bribe voters during the run-up to the 2021 general elections.
Each was found guilty in separate rulings made by Tonga's Supreme Court in the space of a week.
Successful election petitions filed against the former prime minister, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, and Internal Affairs Minister, Sangstar Saulala, found both men guilty of bribing voters while campaigning for the election last year.
A third MP, Tatafu Moeaki the People's Representative for Tongatapu 4, and Minister of Finance had his election declared void, in a judgment by the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, a petition in Tonga to unseat MP, Tevita Puloka, has failed.
The petition had been filed by Siaosi Pohiva, who ran against Puloka during the election for Tongatapu's constituency number 1.
Solomon Islands police official denies protest
A deputy police commissioner in Solomon Islands says there is no truth in local reports that some officers plan a sit-in protest.
This follows concerns the police would strike over a delay in the payment of their Covid-19 allowances.
Deputy Commissioner Ian Vaevaso said these media reports are wrong.
He said he thinks very few unruly officers are tarnishing the good image of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force by speaking to the media.
Mr Vaevaso said making unnecessary comments to the media is a serious breach for an officer.
