Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Jimmy claims election of new Vanuatu PM illegal

Posted at 22:32 on 21 November, 2012 UTC

The president of the Liberal Democratic Party in Vanuatu, Willie Jimmy, is continuing his push to have the election of prime minister, Sato Kilman, declared unlawful.

Mr Kilman’s name, along with Mr Jimmy’s, was left off the initial list of candidates for the election, ostensibly because of outstanding debts.

Mr Kilman reportedly owed rent to the government but he disputed that and no payment was made and he was allowed to stand.

Mr Jimmy faced a similar situation and settled a bill of just under 500 US dollars before he could be added to the candidates’ list.

Mr Jimmy says he has the backing of several of the opposition parties in his push to get the matter to court.

He says a ruling against Mr Kilman would most likely lead to a change of government.