Vanuatu Parliament extraordinary session in November. (file photo) Photo: Screenshot/Parliament of Vanuatu
Vanuatu's prime minister says he expects a referendum on the proposed political registration act will be held in June.
The act, passed in Parliament last month, aims to strengthen Vanuatu's political landscape by promoting integrity, good governance, and financial transparency among political parties.
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai said the date was agreed upon during a meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs Johnny Koanapo.
Salwai said the budget to organise the referendum is 300 million vatu (US$2.51 milllion) and it is expected to be approved when parliament sits next month to approve the 2024 budget.
He said the June referendum has been confirmed with the President Nikenike Vurobaravu.
When the bill was introduced in parliament in December, Koanapo acknowledged that while it might not be the best solution to political instability, it represented a significant step forward.
He noted that political instability has been ongoing for over 20 years, and the bill establishes a platform to start the journey toward stability for the benefit of the people.