Vanuatu chiefs call for unity

PORT VILA – The chiefs and churches in Vanuatu are calling for the political impasse in the country to be settled quickly.

Since the jailing of 14 MPs a week ago Prime Minister Sato Kilman has been leading a minority government while the opposition can only muster 26 votes in the 52 seat parliament.

Kilman wants fresh elections while the opposition wants a government of national unity.

The secretary of the Vanuatu Presbyterian Church, Pastor Allan Nafuki, says the churches and the chiefs are planning measures to address the impasse, but he says they don’t want any more time wasting.

“We are calling from the grassroots, the people, that maybe we can see a better government but at the moment we are still waiting for what ever comes from the both sides. We would recommend very strongly that we need a government to be set up as soon as possible.” Pastor Nafuki says because of the cost of an election their preference is for a government of national unity to be formed.

- RNZI