Final negotiations are ongoing as four provinces prepare to form their new provincial councils tomorrow, 24 July 2025.

Councillors elected in Shefa, Tafea, Penama, and Malampa must for a form their councils as required under the Decentralisation Act [CAP 230], which says councils must be formed on the first Thursday after official results are published.

Shefa Provincial Secretary General, Lionel Kaluat, confirmed that based on legal advice from the State Law Office, the formation will go ahead even though tomorrow even through it is a public holiday.

In Shefa Province, three National government parties  Vanua’aku Pati, RMC, and Leaders Party  signed an agreement today to work together. The three hold a total of 10 seats, and they claim to have the support of one Laverwo Party councillor as well.

Vanua’aku Pati Secretary General, MP Fred Samuel, confirmed the negotiations with VBTC News, saying they hope similar arrangements can happen in the other three provinces — depending on how their own talks go.