24 Feb 2016

New Vanuatu deputy speaker dies

4:03 pm on 24 February 2016

The deputy speaker of Vanuatu's parliament and member of the Nagriamel party, Havo Molisale, has died.

Our correspondent says Mr Molisale died on his home island, Malo, on Tuesday night.

Mr Molisale had returned to Malo, in Sanma province, to prepare a feast to thank constituents for his re-election last month.

He served as acting foreign minister at the end of last year in Sato Kilman's government, and two weeks ago was elected to the position of deputy speaker.

Mr Molisale's death means a by-election will need to be held in Malo.

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Photo: RNZ / Walter Zweifel