The National Parliament of Vanuatu has successfully passed its ninth constitutional amendment with a vote tally of 49 in favor and three abstentions. This significant legislative change comes as the government, now strengthened by recent political shifts, has increased its membership to 40 Members of Parliament (MPs) following the defection of Seoule Simeon from the opposition side.
Seoule Simeon’s realignment to the Vanua’aku Party was formalized through a traditional ceremony. This move has shifted the opposition, led by Ishmael Kalsakau, down to just 12 MPs. The amendment principally introduces a one-year grace period during which no motion of no confidence can be proposed against a newly elected Prime Minister—a decision aimed at stabilizing governance and allowing leaders to implement their policies without immediate threats of political upheaval.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat presented the amendment as addressing national interests rather than partisan advantages, highlighting that such provisions were initially part of the previous 8th amendment. Amidst the debates, Opposition Leader Kalsakau criticized the Prime Minister for not fulfilling his promises within the expected timeline and accused him of using the new grace rule to shield himself from accountability.
Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat commented on the maturity of the parliamentary debates, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful governance over partisan divides. He reaffirmed the need for constitutional amendments to adapt to evolving societal dynamics, referencing the foundational vision of Vanuatu’s first Prime Minister.
Despite the successful passage of the amendment, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo noted that a national referendum regarding some of these amendments cannot be held this year due to budget constraints. He stressed the importance of ensuring that citizens’ interests are prioritized in ongoing discussions about future constitutional changes.
This moment in Vanuatu’s political landscape reflects a continuing journey towards enhanced political stability, with hopes that collaborative governance can emerge from current debates. As the nation navigates potential reforms, there remains optimism for inclusive dialogue that promotes unity and progress, strengthening Vanuatu’s democratic processes in the long run.
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