10 Feb 2016

Salwai tipped as frontrunner for Vanuatu PM

2:56 pm on 10 February 2016

The Vanuatu coalition group claiming to have a majority has reportedly chosen Charlot Salwai as candidate for tomorrow's election of a new prime minister.

Our correspondent said he had been told by a source from the group's retreat on Pele island that they have solid numbers to elect Mr Salwai, who is a former education and finance minister from Pentecost.

The retreat also agreed for the acting president of Vanua'aku Pati, Joe Natuman, to be appointed as deputy prime minister.

Under the constitution and parliament standing orders, a candidate for the position of prime minister must obtain a simple majority of the total of 52 members of parliament which is 27 votes.

The parliament, which was elected on January 22nd, will at its first meeting elect a speaker and prime minister, who will then appoint his 13 ministers.

Representatives of Vanuatu's leading political parties including Vanua'aku Pati, the Graon Mo Jastis Pati, the Union for Moderates, the National United Party and the Reunification of Movements for Change.

Representatives of Vanuatu's leading political parties including Vanua'aku Pati, the Graon Mo Jastis Pati, the Union for Moderates, the National United Party and the Reunification of Movements for Change. Photo: Supplied