Political discussions regarding the appointment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers are moving forward, with five political parties preparing to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
During a media conference yesterday, the Vice President of Graon mo Jastis Pati, Andrew Napuat stated that forming a government is now easier compared to before the National Referendum. He explained that a taskforce, composed of the Party Secretary Generals, is currently working on drafting the MOA, as well as defining the Short Term, Medium Term, and Long Term policies for the next government.
Fred Samuel, the Secretary General of the Vanua’aku Pati, reassured the public that the new government will focus on performance-based ministers to effectively address the challenges Vanuatu faces.
“It’s part of what set up the MOA last week. We will have a high performing government with the best Ministers from each political parties,” he said.
Job Andy, Secretary General of the Leaders Party of Vanuatu, thanked the people of Vanuatu for facilitating a smooth transition to a new government, especially after their support for the National Referendum.
Xavier Harry, Secretary General of the Iauko Group, echoed Andy’s sentiments, emphasizing that the taskforce will continue working to ensure that the new government’s policies serve the national interest.
“The Iauko Group, has made a commitment to the MOU signed by the Party presidents,” Xavier said. “we are looking for to be next and final MOA.”
Rick Tchamako Mahe, Vice President of the Reunification Movement for Change, commented on the significant shift in today’s political landscape, highlighting that the post-referendum amendments to the Constitution make forming a government much more straightforward.
While the taskforce, which includes Party Secretary Generals and Vice Presidents, has yet to reveal the full lineup of the new government, it is clear that the coalition has already agreed on the Prime Minister.
“We can say that the period of negotiations is over. We have concluded and if anyone want another negotiation, we’ve passed that stage,” Mr. Napuat said. Parliament is scheduled to meet on February 11th to elect the new Prime Minister, with a formal notice issued by the Parliament Secretariat.
