22 May 2002

Vanuatu's leader predicts cross party support on party hopping legislation

4:14 pm on 22 May 2002

Vanuatu's caretaker leader, Edward Natapei, says he expects opposition parties to support legislation stopping party hopping.

The official election results have been now been released after the poll on May 2nd and confirm predictions that the Vanuaaku Pati/Union of Moderate Parties coalition would continue in power.

Both parties have 14 seats in the 52 member house, and also say they have the backing of several independents.

Mr Natapei made stability an election issue, saying he wants to see constitutional change to ensure governments last more than 12 months.

He wants to force out of Parliament MPs who swap parties and believes he can get the two thirds backing to do this.

"I believe some of the other political parties will support because they feel that they would also face similar problems if they were given the opportunity to be in government"

Edward Natapei, who is expected to be re-confirmed as the Prime Minister when Parliament meets early next month.