A former prime minister in Vanuatu is calling for both the government and the opposition to form a government of national unity to overcome a political impasse.
Vanuatu's parliament Photo: RNZ / Walter Zweifel
The prime minister, Sato Kilman, is refusing to stand down after half his government was jailed for corruption this month, but the opposition doesn't have the numbers to force a motion of no confidence.
The President, Baldwin Lonsdale, has given both sides until Friday next week to resolve the impasse by forming a government of national unity, or he will dissolve parliament.
The opposition says it will only work with the government if Mr Kilman steps down.
But Maxime Carlot Korman, who was also the speaker, says the prime minister cannot just step down, and has called for both sides to come together for the sake of the country.
He says it's important that parliament sits to pass next year's budget, and the country will suffer unncessary expense if it goes to early elections.