The new Port Vila Municipal Council says it plans to review all activities and decisions that took place while the previous council was suspended.

Newly elected Lord Mayor Samuel Iani made the statement in his first speech after being elected as the 20th Mayor of Port Vila.

The Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) councillor was elected Lord Mayor unopposed during the council’s first sitting, attended by 11 of the 17 councillors.

The councillors present, who supported Iani’s election, were drawn from the UMP, Rural Development Party (RDP) and Vanua’aku Pati (VP).

Iani, who also served on the previous council, said the new council would not overlook what happened during the period when the council was suspended.

“The council which I will lead, will backdate to the time when the previous council was suspended,”  Iani said.

He said the new council would review all council business conducted during the suspension, including permits and contracts.

“I entrust the council and my colleagues who are here to check all the business of the council carried out during the absence of the council,” he said.

Iani’s election, with no councillor voting against his nomination, indicates broad support for his leadership.

The new Mayor has also called on Port Vila residents to work with the council to rebuild trust and confidence in the municipal authority.

He said the council would work together to restore hope among Port Vila residents, improve safety in communities and create an environment that would encourage investors to develop the city.

During the same sitting, the new council elected Linda Yakeula as Deputy Mayor of the Port Vila City Council.