The group comprising over two-thirds of the country's newly-elected MPs say they are united in their bid for political reform. Photo: Supplied
The newly elected prime minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, has thanked the other political leaders in the country for their confidence and trust in electing him.
He was elected today by 46 of the 52 MPs in the first sitting of the new parliament following last month's snap election.
No one opposed him in the vote, but there were six abstentions.
Mr Salwai thanked God for his election and says the challenges he has gone through over the years have prepared him for the prime ministership.
He has called for unity to ensure development for the benefit of the people.
Mr Salwai said the outcome of the snap election, which saw a large number of upset results, has sent a clear message for change to be made.
He has appointed Joe Natuman as deputy prime minister and trade minister, Santo MP Gaetan Pikioune as minister of finance, Bruno Leingkone to the foreign affairs portfolio, Ralph Regenvanu as lands minister and Ham Lini to climate change.
An independent from Luganville, Matai Seremaya, becomes agriculture minister, Daniel Toara from the Green Confederation is minister of health and Alfred Mao heads internal affairs.