Vanuatu Government and Opposition continue dialogue to break the dead-lock

The Vanuatu Leader of Opposition, Ham Lini Vanuaroroa has refused an offer from Prime Minister Sato Kilman to break the political dead-lock by joining the government with his 8-member bloc inside the United Opposition Bloc.

The Vanuatu Leader of Opposition, Ham Lini Vanuaroroa has refused an offer from Prime Minister Sato Kilman to break the political dead-lock by joining the government with his 8-member bloc inside the United Opposition Bloc.

He has instead reiterated opposition’s position for a grand Government of National Unity as the way forward.

Earlier this week, the Leader of Opposition had a business lunch with Prime Minister Kilman where the offer was made.

But after discussions with opposition members Mr Lini told government side “it will have to be the whole opposition and not just a fraction.

Last week, Prime Minister Kilman told the media a Government of National Unity is out of then question. Since then both sides had approached individual MPs on either side to switch alliance but that has been unsuccessful.

It is believed dialogue between government and opposition is continuing to locate, adjust and fit in the political framework of Vanuatu’s politics which is currently hampering development and services to the people of Vanuatu.

Meanwhile, government sources have confirmed that the imprisoned 13 parliamentarians have requested acting Speaker of Parliament, Samson Samsen to extend their term in office after the 30 days lapses this weekend on 9th November 2015.

This is in line with Vacation of Seats Act 3 (1)

“If a Member of Parliament is convicted of an offence and is sentenced by a court to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years, he shall forthwith cease to perform his functions as a Member of Parliament and his seat shall become vacant at the expiration of 30 days thereafter”

“Provided that the Speaker, or in his absence, the Deputy Speaker, may at the request of the member from time to time extend that period for further periods of 30 days to enable the member to pursue any appeal in respect of his conviction, or sentence, so however that extensions of time exceeding in the aggregate 150 days shall not be granted without the approval of Parliament signified by resolution”.

It is highly likely the extension will be granted as MP Samson Samsen is a very strong advocate of the government.

Source: Loop Vanuatu