Pacific

Vanuatu political parties regroup, end divisions

11:00 am on 3 December 2013

Vanuatu's first political party, the Vanuaaku Pati, is re-uniting with its breakaway factions.

It has already reconciled with the National United Party, which was born out of a power struggle within the party, involving the first prime minister, Father Walter Lini, more than 20 years ago.

It has also made peace with the People's Progressive Party, headed by a former prime minister, Sato Kilman.

Our correspondent says the Vanuaaku Pati is next targeting the breakaway party of another former prime minister, Barak Sope of the Melanesian Progressive Party.

All the political leaders have reportedly agreed to work together towards the 2016 general elections and possibly develop a new party name.

The prime minister, Moana Carcasses, who heads the Greens, has remained silent about the new political developments.