Hon. Jim Nef Bani of the Union of Moderate Parties is now serving as a councillor for the Southern Ward in the Port Vila City Council.

Councillor Bani replaces the late Eric Puyo Festa of the Vanuatu Green Confederation. His appointment was officially declared by the Vanuatu Electoral Commission in April, based on the electoral law which allows a runner-up who received at least 70% of the winner’s vote to fill a vacant seat.

The Port Vila City Council currently has 17 councillors, including one seat remaining vacant. That seat is the reserved position for the Freshwater–Tasiriki Ward, and a by-election to fill it is scheduled for July 8.

The current council’s term is expected to end in 2026.