Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat has strongly defended the constitutional amendments 17A and 17B, saying they represent the democratic will of the people following Vanuatu’s first-ever national referendum.

Prime Minister Napat described opposition challenges to the reforms as “a calculated attempt to return to the chaos of revolving-door governments that have plagued our nation for decades.”

From a press release it states that the amendments, approved by nearly 60% of voters in May 2024, were introduced to bring an end to years of political instability — a period that saw four different prime ministers between 2022 and 2023, and 20 leadership changes from 1991 to 2017.

“We find it deeply ironic that those now challenging this process claim to be preserving democracy,” PM Napat said. “The people have already spoken clearly, and the government is respecting that mandate.”

The Prime Minister reminded the public that Parliament had voted unanimously — 47 to 0 — in December 2023 to endorse the reforms before the referendum. He added that the government invested VT350 million in a nationwide awareness campaign that reached 98% of citizens, including overseas Ni-Vanuatu communities.

The referendum process was monitored by over 75 international and domestic observers, including representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum, Melanesian Spearhead Group, and diplomatic missions from Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United Kingdom.

PM Napat said the Supreme Court had also validated the government’s compliance with constitutional requirements just days before voting began.

He pointed to strong grassroots support, including a citizen petition signed by over 1,800 people calling for greater political stability.

“Our people were crying out for change,” he said. “Political instability has delayed development, discouraged investors, and even contributed to the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The time for political games is over.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fully implementing the reforms while strengthening governance, political party systems, and accountability across all levels.

“We will not allow Vanuatu to return to the chaos that has held our nation back for over 30 years,” he concluded. “The people have spoken, and this Government will honour their decision.”