3 Nov 2022

Deputy PM confident of forming govt in Vanuatu

8:15 am on 3 November 2022
Vanuatu opposition leader Ishmael Kalsakau

Ishmael Kalsakau Photo: RNZ/Sally Round

The camp led by Vanuatu's caretaker deputy prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau has reiterated that it remains a solid grouping of 30 MPs and that it will name its prime minister and cabinet line-up on Friday.

A second camp, led by the caretaker prime minister Bob Loughman has confirmed that it has 22 MPs in the 52 member house but that it is still hoping to entice more from the other side.

The spokesman for Kalsakau's group, former prime minister Sato Kilman said they are ready to elect a new prime minister on Friday when parliament sits for the first time.

He said the allocation of ministerial portfolios has also been done and endorsed by the eight political parties in the camp.

Kilman has urged Loughman's camp to accept the defeat and get ready to play its role as opposition in the country's thirteenth legislature.

The snap election two weeks ago was called by Loughman to evade a motion of no confidence brought against him.

Vanuatu PM, Bob Loughman, outside the courthouse

Bob Loughman Photo: RNZ Pacific / Hilaire Bule