Port Vila, Vanuatu – A total of 678 leaders in Vanuatu have missed the deadline to file their annual returns, as required under the Leadership Code Act and Article 67 of the Constitution. The deadline, which was February 28, 2025, saw only 145 leaders submit their returns on time.

The Office of the Ombudsman has granted a grace period until March 14, 2025, for these leaders to comply. Meanwhile, Members of Parliament (MPs) from the 14th Legislature, who recently took office, have been given 60 days to submit their returns, with a deadline set for April 11, 2025.

The Ombudsman’s Office emphasized that filing an annual return is a legal obligation, not an option. Under the Leadership Code, failure to meet the deadline can result in prosecution. Additionally, leaders who submit false or misleading financial information may face legal penalties.

In 2024, 613 leaders successfully filed their annual returns, while 197 failed to comply. Due to significant challenges last year—including budget constraints, the temporary stepping down of the Acting Ombudsman, and the termination of the office’s legal advisor—the Ombudsman’s Office was unable to enforce compliance for the 197 non-compliant leaders.

The Annual Return Unit of the Ombudsman’s Office disclosed to VBTC News that these limitations severely impacted their ability to follow up on compliance matters. However, with a new management team now in place, the office is committed to addressing these issues.

Currently, the Ombudsman’s Office is reviewing the status of annual returns for both 2024 and 2025 to ensure that leaders understand the importance of compliance and transparency. Despite past enforcement challenges, the office has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding accountability in leadership.