Sato Kilman appointed Vanuatu PM after Natuman ousted

Vanuatu has a new Prime Minister after Joe Natuman was ousted in a vote of no confidence in Parliament.

Sato Kilman, who was last week ousted as foreign minister, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister, beating opposition MP Ham Lini by three votes in Parliament.

The no confidence motion, which was filed by the opposition last week, was carried by 27 votes for and 25 against.

It was supported by three government MPs, including one minister, who crossed the floor giving the opposition the 27 votes needed to pass.

Our correspondent in Port Vila says the main reasons for ousting Mr Natuman was the suspension of 19 opposition MPs from Parliament last year and controversy surrounding the distribution of aid after Cyclone Pam, which destroyed much of the country in March.

Today's change is the 9th change of Prime Minister in Vanuatu in seven years, with no confidence motions being a regular feature in the country's politics.