The Vanuatu opposition boycotted parliament this morning forcing the speaker to suspend the sitting until Monday next week. 23 November 2018. Photo: Hilaire Bule/ Vanuatu Government
Parliamentarians in Vanuatu are scrambling to scrape together funds to start campaigning for a snap-election which was triggered by the President Nikenike Vurobaravu dissolving parliament earlier this month.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported caretaker Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat saying the poll will likely take place in the new year.
According to the newspaper, there are mixed reactions in the community to Vurobaravu's decision to dissolve parliament.
It came ahead of a vote-of-no confidence in the Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, and a separate motion calling for the removal of the President himself.
Members of the former opposition group in parliament are challenging the decision in the courts.
It is the second time in as many years that the president has moved to dissolve the House in the face of political instability.