17 May 2016

Vanuatu discusses how to improve governance

4:02 pm on 17 May 2016

The Vanuatu government has begun discussing how it might strengthen governance in the country.

Vanuatu has experienced political instability in recent years with 10 changes of prime minister in less than eight years, mostly as a result of votes of no confidence.

The Council of Ministers is meeting this week to consider the political and constitutional amendment bill which may restrict the ease with which no-confidence votes can be used.

MPs have previously spoken of measures to strengthen parties and stopping party hopping.

The Prime Minister Charlot Salwai said any changes would ensure better governance by strengthening the institutions that would hold the government and executive to account.

A statue at the entrance to Vanuatu's parliament in the capital, Port Vila.

A statue at the entrance to Vanuatu's parliament in the capital, Port Vila. Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana