19 May 2004

Vanuatu election appeal papers yet to be filed

12:51 pm on 19 May 2004

Vanuatu's State Law Office says papers have yet to be filed appealing last week's Supreme Court approval of the dissolution of Parliament.

Opposition MPs had claimed the Government, which was to face a vote of no confidence, lacked the right to seek fresh elections.

But the Supreme Court ruled the Government acted legally.

The Electoral Commission says it is preparing for a national poll on July 6th but the Opposition has indicated it will appeal the Court ruling.

The Deputy Opposition leader, Barak Sope, has said he expects a hearing in early June but an official at the State Law Office says it is yet to be notified.