The 27 signatories of a no confidence motion against Vanuatu Prime Minister, Bob Loughman, have filed an urgent constitutional application contesting the dissolution of Parliament.
Vanuatu's Parliament buildings. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
The president, Nikenike Vurubaravu, made the decision last week on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
"Using motions of no confidence to effect a change of leadership is something that's relatively common in Vanuatu politics" - Dr Tess Newton Cane, project leader of the Griffith Asia Institute's Pacific Hub
Former leader of the opposition Ralph Regenvanu said the signatories of the no confidence motion were challenging the dissolution when the motion had already been accepted by the Speaker of Parliament.
President Vurobaravu dissolved Parliament on 18 August, following the government decision on 12 August.
The motion was deposited on 8 August and declared to be in order by the Speaker a day later.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific last week, Dr Tess Newton Cane, project leader of the Griffith Asia Institute's Pacific Hub, said using motions of no confidence to effect a change of leadership was "relatively common" in Vanuatu politics.
"This situation is different because not only did the government respond by seeking a dissolution of the Parliament, but the president has aceeded to that request," she said.
"If the decision were to go in favour of the opposition, I think that would leave the president open to some criticism."
The hearing of the application is to begin tomorrow.