21 Aug 2014

Nagriamel proposes Maliu for Vanuatu presidency

7:29 pm on 21 August 2014

Vanuatu's Nagriamel custom movement has put forward the name of Alfred Maliu as its candidate for president of the republic.

Its spokesman, Jeff Batunvanu, says Mr Maliu's candidacy has been submitted to the Prime Minister, Joe Natuman.

He says Mr Maliu was one of the right hand men of the leader of the 1980 Santo rebellion, Moli Jimmy Steven, but after independence he occupied senior positions in the government administration.

Mr Batunvanu says Nagriamel was the first movement to ask for Vanuatu's independence, with Mr Steven going to the United Nations to advance its cause.

The term of current head of state, Iolu Johnson Abil, ends on September the 2nd.

The Electoral College, which is made up of the 52 members of parliament and the six presidents of provincial governments, have to meet within two weeks to elect the new head of state for a four-year term.