Vanuatu’s Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Jay Ngwele, has expressed grave concerns after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling declared the closure of Parliament on November 14, 2025, unconstitutional. This ruling is projected to impose a financial burden of approximately VT16,625,000 (around US$136,011.19) in sitting allowances for Members of Parliament (MPs), as Parliament sessions will continue until December 16, 2025.
Ngwele criticized the government for incurring what he calls unnecessary expenses during a time when critical issues, such as the ongoing strike by members of the Vanuatu Teachers Union and the withdrawal of nursing staff, remain unresolved. He highlighted the government’s allocation of millions of vatu for its promotional tour in Tanna, intensifying the scrutiny of budgetary management.
According to Parliament’s Standing Orders, there is a scheduled recess on December 15, 2025. However, Justice Oliver Saksak ruled that Parliament must reconvene on December 16 to give MPs adequate time to return from their constituencies to Port Vila.
This ruling stems from the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of a constitutional application filed by nine Opposition MPs against Prime Minister Jotham Napat. In his judgment, Justice Saksak criticized Speaker Stephen Felix, suggesting that his decisions have resulted in unnecessary financial implications for the citizens of Vanuatu.
Justice Saksak stated that the closure of Parliament contravened Article 43(2) of the Constitution and directed the Speaker to call for a debate and vote on Motion No. 9 of 2025, which he confirmed was duly registered. Despite the Speaker’s counsel, Mr. Garry Blake, arguing that the motion did not adhere to proper procedures, the court found no evidence to substantiate this claim.
The reinstatement of Parliament, resulting from these judicial proceedings, represents a pivotal development for Vanuatu’s legislative framework. It highlights existing challenges within governance while reinforcing the importance of accountability and constitutional adherence. This situation suggests a positive outlook for Vanuatu’s political landscape, as it emphasizes the need for proper legislative procedures to benefit its citizens and restore fiscal responsibility in governance.