Still early to form new Gov’t: Kalsakau

Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) President Ishmael Kalsakau stated that it is currently too early to determine the composition of Vanuatu's next government. He noted that party leaders are still engaged in consultations to ascertain collaborations for the upcoming 14th legislature.

Kalsakau’s comments came after a recent meeting of the current caretaker coalition government, which includes the Graon mo Jastis Pati (GJP), Reunification Movement for Change (RMC), Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV), and Ioko Group (IG). They have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) next Monday. However, Kalsakau emphasized that the situation is fluid and could change based on the official results from the Vanuatu Electoral Commission (VEC).

The UMP President stated that the government of the 14th legislature must be equipped to address the devastation caused by the destructive earthquake on December 17th to Vanuatu's main capital. He also highlighted the urgent need to address rising unemployment, as many Vanuatuans are now jobless due to the disaster. Kalsakau stressed that the next government must focus on reconstruction efforts and providing support to those affected by the earthquake.

RMC Deputy President and caretaker Minister of Lands, Marc Mahe, noted that the natural disaster struck Vanuatu while the country was under the leadership of a caretaker government with limited powers. He stated that the current government has limited authority to fully address the scale of the disaster. Mahe mentioned that the parties set to sign the MoA next Monday have made the reconstruction of the capital, Port Vila, their main priority moving forward.

LPV President and MP-elect, Jotham Napat, told the Vanuatu Daily Post that all parties involved have agreed to work together and will be signing the MoA. Napat stated that, based on unofficial results, they have secured the support of over 30 MP-elects, which signals a strong coalition for the upcoming government.

A political analyst interviewed by the Vanuatu Daily Post stated that the current coalition's decision to unite but delay signing the agreement is seen as a strategy to gain more support. The analyst believes the coalition is focusing on spreading information through social media to attract more opposition members to their camp before finalizing any formal agreement. This approach aims to strengthen their position and potentially secure a broader base of support before moving forward with the MoA.

The Vanuatu Daily Post attempted to contact former opposition leader, Gracia Shadrack, who is also an MP-elect for Malekula and the Secretary-General of the Rural Development Party (RDP), for comment. However, no response was received; it is understood that he is currently in Malekula.