The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Stephen Dorrick Felix, has officially announced the final political affiliations of Members of Parliament (MPs) in line with the constitutional requirements adopted through the 2024 national referendum.

Under the amended Article 17B of the Constitution, endorsed by voters during the referendum, all MPs must formally declare their political party affiliation within a specified timeframe after an election. Once declared, MPs are barred from switching parties during the term of the Legislature unless they are willing to vacate their seats.

This new rule—intended to promote political stability and reduce fragmentation—has now taken full effect, as Parliament confirmed the latest affiliations before the official deadline.

New Party Affiliations Declared:

• *️⃣Hon. Ian Toakalana Wilson, Hon. Maty Phen Lange, and Hon. John Vacher Amos – Leaders Party Vanuatu
• *️⃣Hon. Robert Murray Bohn and Hon. Marie Louise Milne – Iauko Group
• *️⃣Hon. John Lum – Graon mo Jastis Party
• *️⃣Hon. Gaeton Pikioune – Reunification Movement for Change
• *️⃣Hon. Simeon Seule – Vanua’aku Party

These MPs were previously classified as independents, aligned with custom movements, or affiliated with single-member parties.

Government Holds Majority

With these affiliations finalized, the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat now controls 40 seats in Parliament, while the Opposition holds 12. This firm majority strengthens the government’s position as it prepares for the implementation of key reforms stemming from the referendum mandate.

Current Party Distribution in Parliament:

• Leaders Party Vanuatu – 12 MPs
• Vanua’aku Party – 8 MPs
• Iauko Group – 8 MPs
• Reunification Movement for Change – 6 MPs
• Union of Moderate Parties – 6 MPs
• Graon mo Jastis Party – 6 MPs
• Rural Development Party – 6 MPs

Opposition Total – 12 MPs

Referendum Impact

The 2024 referendum was a landmark moment in Vanuatu’s democratic history. The electorate overwhelmingly supported reforms to strengthen party discipline, prevent political instability, and ensure that elected representatives commit to the party under which they were elected or affiliated.

This latest update on party alignment signals that the 2024 referendum outcomes are now firmly embedded in parliamentary procedure—and the Napat Government is moving forward with confidence under the new framework.

Source:
1. VBTC
2. ChatGPT