21 Oct 2004

Vanuatu constitution changes pass first hurdle

8:33 am on 21 October 2004

Controversial amendments to the Vanuatu constitution have passed their first hurdle in Parliament.

The amendments include provisions for a planned 17 person Cabinet, a five year government term, the anti-party hopping legislation and a grace period.

The Prime Minister's spokesman, Kal Moli, says the amendment bill passed its first reading after Prime Minister Serge Vohor presented it yesterday.

Mr Moli says there was one abstention, and no opposing votes in the 52-member house.

The Bill will continue to be debated today.