24 Nov 2014

Vanuatu PM in court bid to stop no confidence motions

11:00 am on 24 November 2014

An opposition MP in Vanuatu says if the government's move to get the opposition leader and 15 of his MPs suspended from Parliament is successful, then it will be unconstitutional and likely be challenged in court.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman Photo: Supplied

Prime Minister Joe Natuman deposited a motion with the speaker on Wednesday claiming that the opposition leader, Moana Carcasses, had offered 10,000 US dollars to any MP willing to pledge allegiance, which he said contravened the leadership code.

Willie Jimmy says the offer wasn't a bribe, but rather a community development loan -- although he's unsure whether it's above board or not.

He says that if the government thinks it's wrong, then it should take them to court.

"We'll wait until we see what happens on Tuesday, but that type of action will totally be unconstitutional and I think if the 16 members go to court then they will be returned to parliament, no problem."

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