13 May 2004

Vanuatu court yet to rule on dissolution of parliament

1:10 pm on 13 May 2004

Contrary to earlier reports, the Supreme Court of Vanuatu has not yet made a ruling in the case of the government's dissolution of parliament.

Media reports from Vanuatu yesterday said the Supreme Court had ruled against the government which wanted to have parliament dissolved and fresh elections.

But our correspondent says this was inaccurate, and the court has not yet made a ruling.

He says a ruling is now expected this afternoon.

The court case was brought by the opposition after it was unable to hold a vote of no confidence in the administration led by the prime minister, Edward Natapei.