Leaders from five of Vanuatu’s political parties have signed a memorandum of agreement to form a coalition government, anticipating the official results of the recent snap election.
The agreement, signed in Port Vila on Monday, includes the Leaders Party of Vanuatu, Vanua’aku Pati, Graon Mo Jastis Pati, Reunification Movement for Change, and the Iauko Group.
Preliminary election results suggest the coalition holds over 30 seats, surpassing the 27 needed for a majority in the 52-seat parliament. This positions one of the five party leaders—Jotham Napat (Leaders Party), Johnny Koanapo (Vanua’aku Pati), Charlot Salwai (Reunification Movement for Change), Ralph Regenvanu (Graon Mo Jastis Pati), or Marc Ati (Iauko Group)—as the likely next prime minister.
The snap election on January 16 was called after President Nikenike Vurobaravu dissolved Parliament in November to preempt a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Charlot Salwai. The election proceeded despite a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in December that caused significant damage in the capital, Port Vila.
More than 180,000 Ni-Vanuatu voters participated in the election, with 217 candidates contesting the 52 parliamentary seats. Official results are expected to be declared on Tuesday.