New NUP MP verbally agrees to affiliate with LPV

The National United Party (NUP) and the Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV) have reached an informal cooperation agreement. Mati Fai Finn Lage, the NUP's sole elected Member of Parliament from the Pentecost constituency, will join forces with the Leaders Party, a move set to reshape political dynamics.

Chairman of the Leaders Party, Jotham Napat, confirmed to the Vanuatu Daily Post the verbal agreement between the Leaders Party and the National United Party regarding the alliance. This indicates that cooperation between the two parties is progressing and could have broader political implications in the coming months, potentially influencing government policy and legislative initiatives.

While the verbal agreement between the National United Party and the Leaders Party has been confirmed, there are still formalities to be completed before the alliance is fully recognized. Napat stated that, according to the National United Party's constitution, this cooperation requires formal approval from the party's executive committee, ensuring adherence to internal regulations.

This alliance is likely to have political implications for both parties and could enhance their influence within the Vanuatu government. The National United Party's constitution explicitly stipulates the formal approval process for its alliance with the Leaders Party, particularly the need to comply with Article 17A, which requires the party president's countersignature from the Speaker of Parliament. This step is crucial for formally approving Lage's (the NUP's sole elected Member of Parliament) alliance with the Leaders Party, solidifying their partnership.

The Leaders Party currently has 11 elected Members of Parliament, and with the verbal confirmation of the National United Party's sole member joining, this will bring the total number of members in the 14th legislature to 12. The Leaders Party adopts a more inclusive approach in its structure, not distinguishing between elected and affiliated members. According to its constitution, all members, whether directly elected or joining through alliances, have equal standing within the party, implying they can participate in the National Executive Committee and even be considered for ministerial positions, thus enjoying the same rights and responsibilities as other members.