Vanuatu: Courts will decide if Prime Minister to face a difficult vote of no confidence

Around 11 December, Vanuatu’s Speaker appealed a Supreme Court ruling to recall parliament for a vote of no confidence. The Court of Appeal will hear the case on 17 December and no vote will occur until their findings are announced. The leader of the opposition stated he was confident he had the support to win a confidence vote, despite only 9 out of the 52 members of parliament officially supporting the motion. The opposition has raised the issues of many cabinet portfolios being concentrated in MPs from a single island, the dispute with the teacher’s union entering its third year, and lack of full release of a commission of inquiry into corruption around issuing citizenship.

Assessment: Prime Minister Napat has been in the role for less than 12 months, following a snap election in January 2025 after previous motions of no confidence. His coalition government consists of three minority parties in addition to his own. Vanuatu has had five PMs since 2022. Due to the interests of many minority parties seeking better government positions, it is likely that PM Napat will lose a confidence vote if the Court rules it must go ahead.

Sources: “Court orders no confidence vote in Vanuatu,” ABC, presented by Leah Lowonbu, 11 December 2025; “Vanuatu’s government challenges parliament recall order,” ABC, 12 December 2025.