Serge Vohor Photo: Graham Crumb
A former Vanuatu prime minister and the president of the Union of Moderate Parties has split from his party to form a new one.
Serge Vohor said his supporters asked him to form his new political party, Pikinini blong Graon, to contest next month's snap general election.
Vohor was replaced as head of the Union of Moderate Parties by his deputy Ishmael Kalsakau during the party's national congress.
Meanwhile, the Daily Post newspaper reported Mr Kalsakau as saying his executive was planning a reconciliation ceremony, which might also open the door for Vohor to return to the UMP.
However, political observers have said with the snap election expected to take place next month, it's unlikely Vohor will be able to return to the UMP.
Natuman struggles with candidacy
Another former prime minister Joe Natuman said the Vanua'aku Pati's decision not to endorse his name, as one of the candidates in the snap election, was illegal.
Natuman said the decision by the party's national executive did not comply with the party constitution.
He said he had heard that his name had not been endorsed, but he said he did not receive a letter from the party secretary general to inform him of the decision.
Natuman added that the party's last congress held on Tanna did not give a mandate to the executive to endorse the names of candidates, should there be a snap election.
Meanwhile, the Vanua'aku Pati said Mr Natuman was subject to disciplinary measures and the executive could not endorse his name, pending the outcome of the party's disciplinary board.
Both Vohor and Natuman, who had been convicted for conspiring to pervert the course of justice, were pardoned last year.
Serge Vohor Photo: Graham Crumb