Pacific / Vanuatu

Vanuatu's Tanna by-election set for Sept 25

09:17 am on 31 July 2018

Vanuatu's Electoral Office has confirmed September 25 as the date for the Tanna by-election, which will elect a new MP to fill the seat left by former Deputy Prime Minister Joe Natuman.

Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister, Joe Natuman. Photo: OFC via Phototek

Mr Natuman lost his appeal case against the Speaker of the House to continue as an MP after he was found guild of attempting to pervert the course of justice and given a suspended two-year sentence.

The Daily Post newspaper says the people of Tanna have from August 6 to 14 to lodge the names of their candidates.

Mr Natuman was the leader of the Vanuaaku Pati which spearheaded the country's move into independence in 1980.