PORT VILA 23rd October 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat today issued a strong defence of Vanuatu's constitutional amendments 17A and 17B, calling opposition challenges to the democratically-approved reforms "a calculated attempt to return to the chaos of revolving-door governments that have plagued our nation for decades."
The amendments, which passed by nearly 60% in Vanuatu's first-ever national referendum on 29 May 2024, were designed to end chronic political instability that saw the country cycle through four different prime ministers from four different parties in 2022-2023 alone, and 20 changes of prime minister between 1991 and 2017—more than any other Pacific island nation.
"We find it deeply ironic that those now challenging this process claim to be preserving democracy," Prime Minister Napat stated. "The real question Ni-Vanuatu must ask is: why does the opposition suddenly object to reforms they had the opportunity to debate and which the people overwhelmingly approved? The answer is simple—they wish to preserve their ability to destabilise elected governments through constant motions of no confidence rather than respect the will of voters."
The constitutional reform process began in 2008 with the Constitutional Review Committee's initial recommendations. After years of consultation and failed attempts to build consensus, Parliament achieved an unprecedented unanimous vote of 47-0 in December 2023, transcending all party divisions.
The Government invested VT350 million in a comprehensive three-month public awareness campaign that reached 98% of the population across all six provinces and overseas communities. Over 75 international and domestic observers monitored the referendum process, including delegations from the Pacific Islands Forum, Melanesian Spearhead Group, and diplomatic missions from Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United Kingdom.
"Every constitutional requirement was meticulously followed," PM Napat emphasised. "The Supreme Court independently reviewed and validated our compliance with Articles 85 and 86 of the Constitution just two days before the referendum. The people spoke clearly—59% for Article 17A and 58% for Article 17B."
The Prime Minister noted that grassroots support preceded government action, with citizens delivering a petition signed by over 1,800 people to Parliament in November 2023 demanding political stability reforms. "Our people were crying out for change. Political instability has disrupted development projects, discouraged foreign investment, prevented passage of budgets, and led to the collapse of Air Vanuatu and slow economic recovery. Our people deserve better."
"The time for political games is over," PM Napat said. "The opposition must show true leadership by respecting this democratic mandate and focusing on the work the people elected them to do. We will not allow Vanuatu to return to the chaos that has held our nation back for over 30 years. The people have spoken, and this Government will honour their decision."
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to implementing the amendments fully whilst continuing broader political reforms including strengthening political party governance and democratic accountability.