Vanuatu’s Supreme Court to hear on the legality of Vanua’ku Party’s recent executive election following Bob Loughman’s formal challenge.

The Vanuatu Supreme Court will convene in 19 to 20 November 2024 to hear a case filed by Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur, challenging the election process of the Vanua’ku Party’s new executive committee.

Justice Edwin Peter Goldsbrough postponed today’s initial hearing after discovering that Edward Nalyal, the lawyer representing Loughman, is also a claimant in the case. The court directed Loughman to secure alternative legal representation before the hearing.

The dispute stems from the Vanua’ku Party’s National Congress held in September 2024, where the party’s new executive was elected under the leadership of the new president, Hon. Johnny Koanapo.

Following the election, Loughman, the former president of the party, filed a legal case in October, questioning the procedures and processes used during the congress to elect the new leadership.