4 Dec 2009

Vanuatu Supreme Court hears PM's appeal today

1:38 pm on 4 December 2009

Vanuatu's Supreme Court sits this afternoon to consider the Prime Minister's appeal against the speaker of parliament's decision to declare his seat vacant.

Edward Natapei filed an official complaint over Maxime Carlot Korman's decision just two days ago.

Last Friday, Mr Carlot Korman declared the seat vacant after Mr Natapei failed to give the required explanation for missing three consecutive sessions of parliament.

The decision came after the Prime Minister had flown to Trinidad and Tobago for the Commonwealth leaders' summit.

If the court rules in his favour, he will face a no confidence motion that's scheduled for debate next week.

Mr Carlot Korman also faces a motion against him for scheduling that debate, having earlier declared Mr Natapei's seat vacant.