1 Aug 2016

Vanuatu PM vows more political reform in Independence Day speech

2:51 pm on 1 August 2016

Vanuatu's Prime Minister has told the nation in his official Independence Day address that his government is committed to work with the Parliament to pursue political reform.

The country celebrated 36 years of independence at the weekend.

Vanuatu's prime minister, Charlot Salwai, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Vanuatu's prime minister, Charlot Salwai, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Photo: Supplied / Hilaire Bule

Charlot Salwai said these include reforms on motions of no confidence, in order to minimise instances of politicians crossing the floor for personal gain.

There had been calls for Mr Salwai to unite the English and French speaking MPs in the house.

Mr Salwai said of his reforms would have to be put to the people in the form of a referendum.