Pacific

Claims support growing for Vanuatu presidential system

20:01 pm on 14 March 2011

A group of lawyers in Vanuatu, who has launched a campaign to try and change to a presidential system, says it's gaining a lot of momentum.

The lawyers want a presidential form of government to replace the existing Westminster system.

Lawyer Tom Joe Botleng says they believe it would discourage motions of no confidence in the government and reduce excessive public spending.

He says people have had enough.

"This movement is gaining momentum and it's spreading like wildfire, people are sick and tired of motions of no confidence against the government. People are sick and tired of inefficiency within the government ministries, we are getting no where with the present system."

Tom Joe Botleng says they hope to force a referendum on the issue next year.