Two government back-benchers in Vanuatu say their signatures were used fraudulently on a motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister Joe Natuman, and have withdrawn them.
The Speaker of the House, Philip Boedoro, says at least three other government MPs who signed the motion also indicate they are going to withdraw their signatures, which will leave the number of MPs in favour of the motion at no more than 22.
According to the Daily Post Newspaper, Richard Mera of Ambae and Kaltaliu Simeon of Malekula say they gave their signatures to the opposition MP Tony Nari for a different purpose, but they were then used against their will and without their knowledge on the motion.
The motion to oust Mr Natuman was lodged by the leader of opposition Moana Carcasses and the deputy leader, Serge Vohor.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman Photo: Supplied