15 Dec 2016

Vanuatu opposition fails in move to topple government

6:53 pm on 15 December 2016

An attempt to unseat the Vanuatu Government of Charlot Salwai today has failed.

Vanuatu parliament building in the capital Port Vila.

Vanuatu parliament building in the capital Port Vila. Photo: RNZI/ Walter Zweifel

The motion for a vote of no confidence was withdrawn with deputy opposition leader, Sato Kilman, saying they did not have the numbers.

The government had always been confident that it retained the backing of its 34 government members.

To win the government benches in Vanuatu 27 votes are needed.

It is the second time in two weeks the opposition has announced plans for a vote but failed to get it to the floor of parliament.

Mr Salwai's government has been advocating constitutional change to bring more stability and reduce the frequent votes of no confidence, but they lack the needed two-thirds of the vote required for such a reform.

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