Motion of no-confidence tabled in Vanuatu PM

Updated November 25, 2008 16:43:00

Vanuatu's Prime Minister, Edward Natapei is currently facing a motion of no-confidence in his government - the second in as many months. Five government MPs are among Opposition members who have signed a notice for the motion of no-confidence. Sam Seke has been talking to people in Port Vila about the motion now being debated before the Vanuatu parliament.

presenter: Myra Mortensen
speaker: Sam Seke, journalist

MYRA MORTENSEN: Sam, has the opposition given any reason for the motion of no-confidence?

SAM SEKE: Well, Myra, in the notice that was given to the speaker of parliament George Wells last week there was no reason actually given for the motion but that was actually not required so long as - it's the prerogative of the members of parliament to issue notices for motions of no-confidence but no reasons are required. But the thing is according to local reports they're saying that the members, five of them from the government, were just disgruntled because they were not given ministerial portfolios.

MYRA MORTENSEN: It's always subjective, isn't it? So what's the number likely to be during the vote on the motion?

SAM SEKE: Depending on where you are they're saying that it would be very close, very tight, 25, 26 in the 51-member parliament.

MYRA MORTENSEN: This is like musical chairs. It's sort of a perennial hobby in Vanuatu to have these votes of no-confidence so if it's successful, who do you think's likely to be the next PM, if the motion is carried?

SAM SEKE: Well, incidentally, up until what - 4 o'clock Vanuatu and Melbourne time when it went to air - sorry, when it was tabled - actually horse-trading was still being done, members were moving to and fro, a lot of intensive lobbying going on but they were saying they were expecting Maxim Carlot Korman, veteran politician - if another is out, he would be in.

MYRA MORTENSEN: And a former prime minister.

SAM SEKE: Yes, he was.