Republic of Vanuatu Parliament Republique De

REPUBLIC OF VANUATU REPUBLIQUE DE VANUATU PARLIAMENT PARLENENT

THIRD PARLIAMENT

FIRST SITTING

11 TH DECEMBER 1987

TROISIEME LEGISLATURE DU PARLEMENT

PREMIERE SEANCE

11 DECEMBRE 1987

SUMMARISED PROCEEDINGS PROCES VERBAL CERTIFICATION

The Minutes of Proceedings which appear in the following book haue been established by the Clerk of Parliament and have been amended and confirmed by Parliament in accordance with the provisions of

Article 1B of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Dnneyn fl. TAHI Lino BULEKULI dit SACSAC Speaker of Parliament. Clerk of Parliament. AUTHENTIFIACTION

Les Procfes-verbaux qui figurant dans Is present

recueil ont £t£ etablis par le Secretaire General

du Parlement et conformdment aux dispositions de

1*Article 1B du Rfeglement Int6rieur, ils ont 6t£

corrig6e et confirmde par le Parlement.

* Onneyn M« TAHI Lino BULEKULI dit SACSAC President Secretaire General du Parlement. du Parlement. PARLIAMENT OF THE MEMBERS PRESENTS REPUBLIC OF VANUATU ------FIRST SITTING DF THIRQ PARLIAMENT

ABB IL Iolu Johnson, MP for Tanna, ANDENG Amos, MP for Ambrym, BOE Roger Jerry, MP for Maewo, BOULEKDNE Vincent, MP for Pentecost, BUE Samson, MP for Ambae, BULEWAK Gaetano, MP for Pentecost, CARLOT Andes Jacques, MP for Efate Rural, CARLOT Maxima, MP for Port-Vila, CROWBY Maria, MP for Port-Vila, DINI Titinson Luc, MP for Banks / Torres, EDGELL William, MP for Luganville, ENNIS Simeon, MP for Malekula, GDDDEN Charles, MP for Banks / Torres, HOPA Jack Tungon, MP for Ambrym, IAMIAHAM Daniel, MP for Tanna, IOUIOU Henry, MP for Tanna, JIMMY Willie, MP for Port-Vila, KALPOKAS Donald, MP for Efate Rural, KARAERU Harry, MP for Santo, Malo / Aore, KARIE Robert David, MP for Tongoa / Shepherds, LINI Hilda, MP for Port-Vila, LINI Walter H., MP for Pentecost, LINGTAMAT Anatole, Mp for Malekula, LUC Ren6, MP for Santo, Malo / Aore, MAHIT William, MP for Paama, MALERE Adrien, Mp for Malekula, MASENG Alfred, MP for Luganville, METD Jimmy Chilia, MP for Efate Rural, MOLISA Sela, Mp for Santo, Malo / Aore, NATAPEI E. Nipake, MP for Other southern Islands, NAUNUN laris, MP for Tanna, PAKOA Joel Mansale, MP for Efate rural, QUALAO C. Harold, MP for Ambae, RANTES Aileh, MP for Malekula, REGENVANU Sethy, MP for Malekula, SIMON Jimmy, MP for Epi, SONG Keasipai, MP for Tanna, SOPE T. Barak, MP for Port-Vila, TABI Basil, MP for Pentecost, TAHI Onneyn, MP for Ambae, TELUKLUK Paul, MP for Malekula, TIMAKATA Fred K., MP for Tongoa / Shepherds, THOMPSON Kawai, MP for Tanna, UOHOR Serge, MP for Santo, Malo / Aore, UUROBARABO Andrew Molieno, MP for Santo, Malo / Aore, WASS . Kavcor, MP for Santo, Malo / Aore. PARLEMENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DE VANUATU DEPUTES PRESENTS PREMIERE SEANCE DE LA TRDISIEME LEGISLATURE 11 DECEMBRE 1987

ABBIL Iolu Johnson, D6put6 de Tanna, ANDENG Amos, D^putd d’Ambrym, BOE Roger Jerry, D6put6 da Ma6wo, BOULEKONE Vincent, D^putS de PentecQte, BUE Samson, Dbputb d’Ambab, BULEWAK Gaetano, Ddput£ da Pantecfite, CARLOT And^s Jacques, Dhputh d’Efatb rural, CARLOT Maxima, Ddputb de Port-Vila, CROWBY Marie, Dbputb de Port-Vila, DINI Titinson Luc, Dbputbi de Banks / Torres, EDGELL William, Dbputb de Luganville, ENNIS Simeon, Dbputd de Mallicolo, GOODEN Charles, Dbputb de Banks / Torres, HOPA Jack Tungon, D6put6 d’Ambrym,! IAMIAHAM Daniel Dhputb de Tanna, IOUIOU Henry, Dbputb de Tanna, JIMMY Willie, Dbputb de Port-Vila, KALPOKAS Donald, Dbputd d’Efat^ rural, KARAERU. Harry, D6put£ de Santo, Malo et Aorb, KARIE Robert David, Dbputb de Tongoa / Shepherds, LINI Hilda, Dbputb de Port-Vila, LINI Walter H«, Dbputb de PentacSta, LINGTAMAT Anatole, DbputS de Mallicolo, LUC Renb, D^putb de Santo, Malo at Aorb, MAHIT William, DbputS de Paama, MALERE Adrien, DGputb de Mallicolo, MASENG Alfred, Ddputb de Luganville, METO Jimmy Chilia, D^putb d’Efatd rural, MOLISA Sela, Dbputd de Santo, Malo / Aor6, NATAPEI E. Nipake, DbputS das autres Iles du Sud, NAUNUN laris, DbputS de Tanna, PAKOA Joel Mansale, Dbputb d’Efatb Rural, QUALAO C. Harold, DSputd d’Ambag, RANTES Aileh, DbputS de Mallicolo, REGENVANU J. SETHY, DfSputS de Mallicolo, SIMON Jimmy, DbputS d’Epi, SONG Keasipai, Dbputb de Tanna, SOPE T, Barak, D6put£ de Port-Vila, TABI Basil, Dbputg de Pentecote, TAHI Onneyn, Dbputb d’Amba6, TELUKLUK Paul, Dbputb da Mallicolo, TIMAKATA K. Fred, Dbputd de Tongoa / Shepherds, THOMPSON Kawai, DbputS de Tanna, VOHOR Serge, DGputS de Santo, Malo / Aorb, VUROBARAVO Andrew Molieno, D6put6 de Santo, Malo / Aorb, WASS Kavcor, DbputS de Santo, Malo / Aorb0 THIRD PARLIAMENT

FIRST SITTING

FRIDAY II DECEMBER 1987

1. The Clerk of Parliament welcomed and congratulated the Members of Parliament and opened the sitting at 8.40. He then read out the parliamentary procedures. The clerk read out the notice of convocation and asked the MPs to introduce themselves when their names were read out. He pointed out that there was a quorum present and asked the most senior member of the House, Hon. Andrew M. VUROBARAVO MP for Santo, Malo & Aore to chair the meeting.

2. The Hon. Andrew M. VUROBARAVO took the chair and made a short speech of acceptance and welcome. He then asked the Clerk to Parliament to conduct the election-on his behalf if there were no objections.

3. The Hon. Pakoa L. MANSALE said the prayer.

4. The. Hon. Andrew M. VUROBARAVO declared the sitting open and read out the agenda,

5. The Clerk asked Members to swear the ■ oath of allegiance. He called upon the Chief Justice to witness the swearing-in. Government MPs were duly sworn in.

6. The Oppostion Leader, Hon. Maxime CARLOT pointed out that following the meeting of the executive of the Opposition Party, they agreed that they would not swear the oath.

7. The Clerk asked that Parliament continued with item 2 on the agenda: "election of the Speaker of Palriament”. He then read the provisions of Article 20 paragraph I of the Constitution and Standing Orders 4.1 Co He then explained the voting procedure. PARLEMENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DE VANUATU

TROISIEME LEGISLATURE DU PARLEMENT

PREMIERE SEANCE

UENDREDI 11 DECEMBRE 1987

1. Le Secretaire G^ndral du Parlement ouvre la stance & 08H40. Il souhaite la bianvenue & tous les deputes at les feiicita da laur Election. II lit les procedures concernant le dGroulement de la Premiere Stance du Parlement. Il demands & chaque ddput^ de se lever loreque son nom est prononcd an guise de presentation & sea collbguea. La quorum ayant dtfi attaint, il demands au doyen des d^putde M. Andrew Molieno VUROBARAVO de pr^sider les d^bats.

2. M. le DdputS Andrew Molieno VUROBARAVO est conduit au fauteuil presidential. Il prononce un bref discoure d'acceptation et d'accueil st demands que le Secretaire G^ndral dirige l’^lection du President, s'il n*y a pas d'objection en son nom.

3. PI. le Ddputd Pakoa Lao P1ANSALE dit la pri&re.

4. PL le Ddputg Andrew Molieno VUROBARAVO annonce l'ordre du jour.

5. Le Secretaire GSn^ral du Parlement demands aux ddputds de faire leur serment et demands au President de la Cour Supreme d'en atre tdmoin. Lee Ddputds du Gouvernement pretent laur serment.

6. 1*1. le D^putS Maxims CARLOT fait rsmarquer qu'& la suite d'une reunion du Comitd Exdcutif de son Parti, il a dtd ddcidd qus les DdputSs de l'UMP ne preteront pas sermsnt*

7. Le Secretaire G^ndral demands a ce que les ddputSs continuent & discuter sur le point NO.2 da l'Agenda : l'dlection du President du Parlement en application de l*Article 20, Paragraphs 1 de la Constitution et du RSglement Int^rieur (Article 4.1 - 2,6 et 4.3, et expliqua la procedure du vote. 8. The Hon. Hilda LINI seconded by the Hon. Aileh RANTES moved that the Hon. Onneyn TAHI be elected Speaker of Parliament.

9. The Hon. Vincent BOULEKONE seconded by the Hon. Maxime CARLOT moved that the Hon. Amos ADENG be elected Speaker of Parliament.

10. The Hon. Fr. Walter LINI seconded by the Hon. Sethy REGENVANU moved that nominations be closed.

11. The Clerk asked the leaders of both parties to name one person in their group to be their teller.

12. The Hon. Fred K. TIMAKATA pointed out that the nominees had not yet stated whether they accepted nomination.

13. The Clerk asked the two nominees to make their declarations.

14. The Hon. Onneyn TAHI accepted his nomination.

15. The Hon. Amos ADENG accepted his nomination.

16. The Clerk asked that one teller be nominated by each political group.

17. The Hon, Fr. Walter LINI appointed the Hon. Fred K. TIMAKATA.

18. The Hon. Maxime CARLOT appointed the Hon. Willie JIMMY.

19. The Clerk gave instructions to the Members on how to proceed with the election of the Speaker and declared the election of the Speaker of Parliament open.

20. The Clerk announced the names of members after they had voted. He then asked the tellers to count the votes.

21. The Hon. Sethy REGENVANU inquired whether the name of each voter should not be announced. 8. Mme le Depute Hilda LINI, appuyde par le Depute Aileh RANTES, propose M. le Depute Onneyn TAHI pour §tre President du Parlement.

9, M. le Depute Vincent BOULEKONE, appuye par le Depute And6s CARLOT, propose la candidature du Depute Amos ANDENG.

10. M. le Depute Walter H, LINI, appuye par le Depute Sethy REGENVANU, demands & ce que lea propositions de nomination 6 la prdsidence soient closes.

11. Le Secretaire General demande aux leaders de chaque groups politique de nommer un scrutateur,

12. M. le Depute Fred K. TIMAKATA fait remarquer que les dSsignds ne Be sont pas encore prononces aur leur nomination.

13. Le Secretaire General demands & ce que les deux deputes se declarant.

14. M. le Depute Onneyn TAHI accepts la nomination,

15. M. le Depute Amos ANDENG accepts la nomination.

♦ 16. Le Secretaire General demande S ce que deux scrutateurs soient nommes.

17. M. le Depute Walter H. LINI designs le Depute Fred K. TIMAKATA comma scrutateur.

18. M. le Depute Maxime CARLOT designs le Depute Willie 3IMMY comma scrutateur.

19. Le Secretaire General donne les instructions sur la procedure du vote et declare ouverte l’dlaction du President du Parlement.

20. Le Secretaire General annonce le nom de chaque depute aprfes qu’ll ait vote. Il continue en demandant aux deux scrutateurs de compter les voix.

21. M. le Depute Sethy REGENVANU demande ei le nom inscrit sur chaque bulletin de vote ne devrait pas etre annonce. 22. The Clerk replied that the name of the successful candidate would be announced at the end of the count.

23. The Hon. Andrew M. VUROBARAVO declared Hon. Onneyn TAHI, duly elected the new Speaker of Parliament.

24. The Hon. Onneyn TAHI took his oath as Speaker of Parliament. He thanked the Members for electing him as Speaker for the next four years.

25. The Hon. Sethy REGENVANU asked if Members could be told the results of the election of the Speaker.

26. The Hon. Speaker said the results were 26 votes for TAHI, 18 for ADENG and 2 void bv.lleting3.

ELECTION OFJHEFIRSTDEPUTY SPEAKEROFPARLIAMENT

27. The Hon. Charles GODDEN, seconded by the Hon. Jack HOPA nominated the Hon. Jimmy METO to be First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

28. The Hon, Vincent BOULEKONE, seconded by the Hon. Adrien MALERE nominated the Hon. Amos ADENG to be First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

29. The Hon. Sethy REGENVANU moved that the nominations be closed. *

30. The Hon. Jimmy METO accepted the nomination.

31. The Hon. Amos ADENG accepted the nomination.

32. The Hon. Walter LIN1 chose the same teller as for the election of the Speaker.

33. The Hon. Maxime CARLOT also chose the same teller. 22. Lb Secretaire General repond que le nom du candidat 3ara annonce e la fin du compte.

23. 1*1 • le Depute Andrew Molieno VUROBARAVO declare . dOment eiu & la presidsnce du Parlement 1*1, le Depute Onneyn TAHI.

24. M. le Depute Onneyn TAHI prete serment de President du Parlement. Il remercie le Parlement de 1*avoir eiu, en particulier les deputes du Vanuaaku Parti.

25. 1*1. le Depute Sethy REGENVANU demands au President du Parlement d’annoncer les resultats du vote aux deputes.

26. Le President indique qu'il y a eu 26 voix pour le Depute Onneyn TAHI, at 18 voix pour le Depute Amos ANDENG et deux bulletins nula.

ELECTION OU PREMIER VICE-PRESIDENT OU PARLEMENT

27. I*lo le Depute Charles GODDEN, appuye par M. le Depute Jack T. HOPA, propose la nomination du Depute Chilia Jimmy METO au posts de Premier Vice- President du Parlement.

28. M. le Depute Vincent BOULEKONE, appuye par le Depute Adrien MALERE, propose la nomination du Depute Amos ANDENG, au paste du Premier Vice-President du Parlement,

29. M. 1b Depute Sethy REGENVANU propose la cloture des propositions de nomination.

30. Le Depute Chilia Jimmy METO accepts sa nomination.

31. Le Depute Amos ANDENG accepts sa nomination.

32. I*l. le Depute Walter H. LINI designs M. Fred K. TIMAKATA comma scrutateur.

33. I*l. le Depute Maxima CARLOT designs l*l. Willie JIMMY comma scrutateur. 34. The Hon. Walter LINI said he thought it would be possible to have 2 First Deputy Speakers.

35. The Hon. Speaker said it was normal to have a first and a second Deputy Speaker.

36. The Hon. Walter LINI voiced the opinion that it could be possible to have 1 Opposition First Deputy Speaker and 1 VP 1st Deputy Speaker.

37. The Hon. Vincent BOULEKONE expressed support for the Hon. LINI’s suggestion.

38. The Hon. Nipake NATAPEI referred to the Standing Orders and said Parliament could take both Deptuy Speakers as 1st and 2nd Deputy Speakers.

39. The Hon. Speaker replied that it was customary for Parliament to have First and Second Deputy Speakers.

40. The Hon. Maxime CARLOt also appreciated the Hon. LINI’s idea on the Deputy Speakers and what was pointed out by the Hon. NATAPEI in the Standing Orders.

41. The Hon. Vincent BOULEKONE asked if it were possible to have the First Deputy Speaker from the Opposition side.

42. The Hon. Sela MOLISA referred to the Hon. NATAPEI1s comment on article 6(1) of Standing Orders and said the idea was alright but it should follow the Standing Orders and Article 20 of the Constitution concerning Acting Head of State when the Head of State is out of the country.

w 7 43. The Hon. Fred K. TIMAKATA congratulated the Hon. TAHI for being the Speaker and reminded Parliament about time. He moved, seconded by the Hon. REGENVANU, that they pass the ballot box around to speed matters along. 34. 1*1. le D£putd Walter Ho LINI fait remarquer qu'il est possible d’^lire deux (2) premiers uice-pr6sidents du Parlement,

35. fl. le President indique qu’il est normal d’avoir un premier uice-Prdsident et un deuxibme Vice-President du Parlement.

36. f). le Ddput£ Walter H. LINI fait remarquer qu’il est possible d’avoir une premier Vice-President du cot£ de l’Opposition et un premier Vice-President du c3t£ du Vanuaaku Party.

37. fl. le Ddput^ Vincent 0OULEKONE exprime son appreciation quant & la declaration du D£put£ Walter H, LINI.

38. fl. le D6put6 Nipake NATAPEI Edward, se rdf^rant & l’article 6 (1) du Rfeglement Int^rieur, declare que ledit article ne donne aucune precision et que le Parlement peut considdrer les deux vice-prdsidents comma premier et second.

39. fl. le President r6pond que le Parlement a toujours eu un premier et un deuxi&me Vice-President.

40. fl. le D6put3 Maxima CARLOT exprime son appreciation quant & la declaration du DSputS Walter H. LINI et aussi concernant le commentaire du Ddputd Nipake NATAPEI qoant au Rbglement Int^rieur.

41. fl. le D6put£ Vincent 90ULEK0NE dit qu’il serait mieux si le Parlement SlisB le Premier Vice-President dans les range de l’Opposition.

42. fl. le DSputa Sela flOLISA, se rdf^rant au commentaire du DSputS Nipake NATAPEI, concernant l’article 6 (1) du Rbglement Int^riBur, declare approuver l’id^e mais qu’elle doit etre conforms au RbglemBnt Intdrieur et & l’article 20 de la Constitution, concernant l’int^rim du President de la R^publique lorsque ce dernier est absent.

» 43. fl. le DSputS Fred K, TIflAKATA f^licite le nouueau President du Parlement pour son Election et rappelle l’heure au Parlement. Appuyd du D^putd Sethy REGENVANU, il propose de faire passer l’urne, Bn sorte que les dgput^s restent sur place, pour gagner du temps, au lieu de ae d^placer vers l’urne. 44. The Hon. Maxime CARLOT was in favour of passing Che ballot box around.

45. The motion to pass the ballot box around was carried with 45 votes for and 1 abstention.

46. The Hon. Speaker announced that the Hon. Jimmy METO had 26 votes and was elected 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament

47. The Hon. Jimmy METO took his oath as First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

ELECTION OF SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER

48, The Hon. Iolu ABIL, seconded by the Hon. Harold QUALAO, nominated the Hon. Robert KARIE to be 2nd Deputy Speaker of Parliament. J

49. The Hon. Barak SOPE moved that the nominations be closed.

50. The Hon. Robert KARIE was duly elected as Second Deputy Speaker of Parliment.

51. The Hon. Maxime CARLOT proposed that members elect the leader of the government this afternoon.

52. The Hon. Speaker in reply said that the agenda for that morning had to be completed even if it went over time.

53. The Hon. Robert KARIE took his oath as Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

54. The Roll of Members of Parliament having first been signed by the Speaker and his two deputies, was then signed by all other Members of Parliament.

55. The Hon. Speaker quoted Article 39 of the Constitution and Standing Order 8 then called Parliament to continue with item 4 on the agenda "election of the Prime Minister".

56. The Clerk read the provisions of Article 39 of the constitution and Standing

Order 8, in English and French. 44. 1*1. 1b DSputd Maxims CARLOT appuie l’idde de fair© passer l’urne.

45. La motion visant & fairs passer l’urne set adoptee par 25 voix pour at une abstention.

46. Ls President declare dument 61u Fl. Is Dgput£ Chilia Jimmy I*1ETO Premier Vice- President du Par-lament aver 25 voux pour at une Abstention. Les DSputSs de l’Opposition refusent de participer au scrutin.

47. Fl. le DSputd Jimmy Chilia NETO prSte aerment de Premier Vice-President du Parlement.

ELECTION DU DEUXIEME VICE-PRESIDENT.

48. Fl. le Ddputd Iolu ABIL, appuyd par le Ddput^ Harold QUALAO, propose la »■ nomination du Ddput6 Robert KARIE au posts de Deuxi&me Vice-President.

49. M. la Ddput6 Barak T. SOPE propose la cloture des nominations.

50. Le President annonce l*dlection de Robert KARIE au posts de Dsuxifeme Vice-Prdsident. Les Ddputds de I1Opposition ne participant pas au scrutin.

51. Fl. le D6putd Maxima CARLOT propose que I1Election du Chef du Gouvernement ait lieu dans l’aprds-midi,

52. Le President indique que l’ordre du jour doit etre achev6 meme si 1’hBure f est ddj& passde.

53. Fl. le Ddputd Robert KARIE prate serment dB Deuxifeme Vice-Prdsident du Parlement.

54. La lists des d6put6s, signee d’abord par le President du Parlement et ses deux vice-presidents, est ensuite signde par le rests des d£put£s.

55. Le President du Parlement cite l'article 39 relatif & la Constitution et I1Article 8 du R&glement Intdrieur, ensuite il prie le Parlement de passer au Point 4 de 1’Agenda concernant l’^lection du Premier Flinistre.

* 56. Le Secretaire Gdndral du Parlement lit les dispositions de 1’Article 39 de la Constitution, et l’Article 8 du R&glBment Intdrieur en anglais et en fran^ais. 57. The Hon. Speaker asked that Parliament proceed with the nomination and election of the Prime Minister.

58. The Hon. Barak SOPE seconded by the Hon. Anatole LINGTAMAT moved that the Hon. LINI be elected Prime Minister,

59. The Hon. Serge VOHOR seconded by the Hon. Kawai THOMPSON moved that the Hon. Maxime CARLOT be elected Prime Minister.

60. The Hon. CARLOT accepted his nomination.

61. The Hon. LINI accepted hiB nomination.

62. The Hon. Iolu ABIL moved that the nominations be closed.

63. The Hon. Speaker asked Parliament to proceed with the election of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu. He then asked the leaders of both political groups to name their tellers.

64. The Hon. Walter LINI appointed the Hon. Fred K. TIMAKATA.

65. The Hon. Maxime CARLOT appointed the Hon. Willie JIMMY.

66. The Hon. Vincent BOULEKONE asked that the ballot box be passed around the Chamber for the vote and also asked that the Hon. Speaker refer to the two political groups as " Majority" and "Opposition”.

67. The Hon. Barak SOPE seconded by the Hon. Vincent BOULEKONE moved that the ballot box be passed around the Chamber.

68. The Hon. Sethy REGENVANU asked that the name of each vote be announced.

69. The Hon. Vincent BOULEKONE asked that the total number of votes be also announced.

70. The Hon. Speaker announced the results of the election 26 for the Hon. LINI and 20 for the Hon. CARLOT and declared the Hon. Walter LINI duly elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu. 57. Le President du Parlement dBmande aux ddputds de procdder & la•nomination et & l’dlection du Premier Ministre.

5gw M, le Ddputd Barak T. SOPE, appuyd par la Ddputd Anatole LINGTAMAT, propose la candidature dB M. Is Ddputd Walter H. LINI au posts de Premier Ministre.

59. M. le Ddputd Serge VOHDR, appuyd par le Ddputd Kauai THOMPSON, propose la candidature de M. le Ddputd Maxime CARLOT au Posts de Premier Ministre,

60. 1*1 o le Ddputd Maxima CARLOT accepts sa nomination.

61. Mo le Ddputd Walter H. LINI acoepte sa nomination.

62. M. le Ddputd Iolu AB IL propose que les nominations soientcloses.

63. Le President du Parlement demands & ce que soient entamdes les procedures de l’dlection du Premier Ministre de Vanuatu. Il prie les deux leaders dee deux parties politiques de choisir chacun un scrutateur.

64. le Ddputd Walter H. LINI ddsigne le Ddputd Fred K. TIMAKATA.

65. M. le Ddputd Maxima CARLOT ddsigne le Ddputd Willie JIMMY.

66. M. le Ddputd Vincent BOULEKONE demands d ce que l'urne soit ,pased dans les range et prie le Prdsidsnt de reJeter la notion de "majoritd” et "minoritd" pour les deux partis male d’employer "majoritd" et "opposition",

67. M, le Ddputd Barak T. SOPE, appuyd par le Ddputd Vincent BOULEKONE, propose de fairs passer l’urne.

68. M. le Ddputd Sethy REGENVANU demands d ce que le nom de chaque soit annoncd.

69. 1*1. le Ddputd Vincent BOULEKONE demands ce que le nombre total dee uotants soit aussi annoncd

70. Le Prdsidsnt du Parlement annonce le rdeultat du vote, 26 voix pour le Ddputd Walter H. LINI, 20 voix pour le Ddputd Maxime CARLOTet ddclare Z dOment dlu M, Walter H. LINI, Premier Ministre de la Rdpublique. 71. The Hon. Walter H. LINI, Prime Minister sworn in by Chief Justice Cook, took the oath of allegiance.

72. The sitting which was suspended at 12.30 before the Presidential Address, resumed at 12.40,

■ PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

73. The President gave his Opening Address. He congratulate the two Leaders of the main political parties, the old and new Members of the House and especially the two lady MPs. He also congratulated the newly elected Speaker and his deputies and asked the Members to cooperate with him to carry out the important functions of the House. He pointed out that he was surprised to hear that members from the Oppsition side had refused to take the oath of allegiance . He felt that the MPs who refused to take the oath had no right to be in

Parliament. He drew an analogy between the Government and a ship ready to sail with its captain (the PM) and crew. There would be times when the weather would be bad and crew members would be sick. He stated that it was the captain's responsibility to steer the ship safely into port. The same went for the Opposition ship, its captain and its crew members. And they should always be prepared to help the government. He warned the MPs about how they should spend their allocations and time. He stated that the MPs should give first priority to the people who elected them. He wished the MPs a happy X-Mas and Prosperous New Year.

PRIME MINISTER’S REPLY

74. The newly elected Prime Minister, Hon. Fr. Walter LINI comment on the President's Address. He congratulated the VP and the UMP on the election * results and thanked them for having kept their promise to ensure peace and order during and after the election. The Prime Minister congratulated and welcomed the old and new MPs especially the two ladies. He said that this was a new step in Vanuatu's political history. He asked Members to maintain respect and dignity in Parliament, He pointed out that it was the MP's responsibility to give first priority to the people because they (MPs) tended to fail to carry out their duties. He thanked the President of the Republic for his reminder. He went on to refer to the irresponsible behaviour of the Opposition. He asked the Opposition Members to reconsider their decision not to take the oath. He congratulated the VP Government for having carried out most of the policies contained in their platform. The Prime Minister then congratulated the new Speaker and his deputies and thanked them for their support as VP Members. Commenting on the policy of democracy, he said each 71 i'l. le Ddputd Walter H. LIN I prfita eermant devant le President de la Cour Supreme

72. La stance, auapendue event l’allocutian du President de la Rdpubliqua & 12H30, reprend h 12H40. »

ALLOCUTION DU PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE.

73. Dana eon allocution, le Prdaident de la Rdpublique f61icite les deux dirigeants dee deux principaux partis politiquss, lee ancisne ddput^s r631us, lee nouveeux ddputds dlue et plus particuli&rament lee deux femmes ddput^s. Il f£licite dgalemant le nouveau President du Parlement 61u, lea deux vice-prdsidente et le Premier Mlnistre. Il demands aux d£put£s de collaborer avec le President du Parlement pour s'acqulttar dee fonctlons du Parlement. Toutefois, 11 ee declare tr&e surprla d'apprendre que les ddputds de l'Oppoeition ont refusd de prAtsr aerment* Il ajouta, que eelon lui, tout Odputd n1ayant pas pretd eermant, no devrait pas sidger au Parlemeit. Le President do la Rdpubliqua donna uno image de Vanuatu : Il le compere & un bateau prfit pour un voyage. Le Premier Ministre est le capitaine de ce bateau et les mlniatraa at ddputds oont lea marine. Lea temps seront parfois dure, et les marina pauvent tomber maledes. La rasponsabilitd repoee done sur le capitaine pour ramener le bateau au port* En s’ajjreseant & ^Opposition, le President de la Rdpublique indiqus qu’slle doit ae tanir prete & aider le Gouvernemant. Il rappelle enfin A toua loa ddputde dlua qu’ile doivent utiliser sagement leurs allocations parlementairea it lour temps en penaant avant tout h leurs dlecteurs, leure circonacriptione, leurs Ilea.

COWlENTflIRE OE L'ALLOCUTION DU PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE PAR LE PREMIER MINISTRE.

74. Le Premier Miniatra remarcia event tout la President de la Rdpublique pour lee fdlioitetiona qu'il laura a adraasdB depuis les Elections, Jusqu'i ce Jour. Il adraaaa see felicitations au Vanuaaku Parti et 1*Opposition pour lour collaboration an ce qui concerns le maintien de la paix pendant le ddroulement at apria les Elections. Trois principaux points resoortant de eon commentaire : individual person had his own interpretation of the term. He hoped that peace and unity would remain in Vanuatu. He stated that members should make sure that people acted in compliance with the law and the Constitution in order to maintain peace, respect and unity. In conclusion, he wished the MPs a happy X-Mas and a Prosperous New Year. *

OPPOSITION LEADER’S REPLY

75. The Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Maxime CARLOT also responded to the President’s address, by congratulating the Speaker and his deputies, the new Prime Minister, the MPs from the Opposition side as well as those from the Government and especially the two ladies. He stated that this was the second time the Opposition had refused to take the oath of allegiance. He said his party’s decision was based on the fact that the procedure of oath-taking not stated in the Standing Orders or the Constitution. He said that this was a foreign attitute imitated by Vanuatu. He declared that the decision taken did not mean that the UMP did not know God or did not pray. The • Opposition felt that the procedure should be included in the Standing Orders as a rule. He felt that Parliament should approve the wording of the oath and it should be printed in French and English. Due to the fact that they had signed the MPa Roll , he declared that they had the right to represent the people in the Parliament. He was sorry to see that the President of the Republic had accused them of something which was not stated in the Constitution. The Leader of the Opposition also stated that we had just had an election and the results showed that the VP had won. He said that the UMP would accept defeat and at the same time he thanked its supporters. He then congratulated the VP on their victory. He said the UMP was sorry to see that they lost this election which they could have easily won. He also stated that the • Opposition would be ready to provide good Opposition to keep democracy alive in the country. He added that the official results showed that the people wanted a change and the Opposition had a majority in numbers today. The Hon. Maxime CARLOT also declared that some people had used threats against others, companies had sacked their employees and communities had moved to other areas because of threats. He said the government with the support of the Opposition, should bring about reconciliation and reconstruction. He appealed strongly to Government not to take any strong action against civil servants, Members of the police and Vanuatu Mobile Forces if they had exercised their democratic rights. He felt that businessmen, rich and poor people should be 1°) en tant que Chef du Gouvernemant, il aouhaite la bienvenue & toua les Ddputds. Il fdllcite lss nouveaux ddputSs, en particulier les deux femmes. Il fait remarquer que 1'Election de ces deux femmes, constitue un nouveau pas dans la vie politique de Vanuatu. 2°) Il demands aux ddputga de continuer 6 maintenir le respect et la dignity du Parlement, 3°) Il rappelle aux ddput^s qu'ils doivent panser avant tout au peupla qui lee a dlus car plusieurs foie, des dSputSs ont manqud d’acquitter leurs devoirs. Il remercie en mdme temps le President de la RSpublique pour lea rappsler & cheque foie sur os point. Se rff^rant aux d£put£s de 1*Opposition qui ont refuse de prdter serment, il demande & caux-ci de bisn rdfl^chir sur leur decision afin de preserver leur respect et dignity personnels. Il continue en adrsssant see felicitations en tant que Chef du Gcuvornsmcnt h son Gouvsrnement, plus particuli&rement au Venuaaku Pnrti d’avoir rdslisd la plupert des proJets qui figuraient dans son plateforms. Il filicite Is Nouveau President du Parlement et les vice-presidents et lee remercie pour lour aoutien en tant que Hembree du Vanuaaku Parti. Concernant la democratic, le Premier Hinistre indique que cheque individu peut interpreter ce terms 6 sa fagon. Il esp&re qu'il y aura toujoura la paix et l’unit^ & Vanuatu. Efin, il indique que lee d^putde doivent s’assurer que tous les citoyens respectent la loi Bt la Constitution pour qu’il y ait toujours la paix, le respect et l'unitg.

COMHENTAIRE DE L'ALLOCUTION DU PRESIDENT DE LA REPU8LIQUE PAR LE CHEF DE L'OPPOSITION

75, Le Chef de 1'Opposition adresse see felicitations au nouveau President du Parlement, sux daux vice-prdeidents, au Premier Hinistre, & chaque ddput£ aussi bien ds la majority que da 1'Opposition et en particulier aux deux femmes £lues. Il declare que ceci Bst Is deuxi&me foie que l'Opposition refuse de prfitar is serment d’alldgdance. Il fait remarquer que le fait de prdter serment ns figure ni dans Rfeglement Int6rieur, ni dans la Constitution mats qu'il set diets de l'extdrieur. Il ajoute aussi que cala ns eignifie pea que 1'Opposition reJette Dieu ou la religion chr^tienne. Il continue en disant que le fait de prSter serment d'all^g^ance doit 6tre inclu dans le Rfeglement Intdrieur en tant que R&glement et que le Parlement doit epprouvor la formula du serment. Il indique aussi que le serment davrait fitre r£dig£ en frangais et en anglais. Le Chef de l'Opposition fait remarquer aussi que la fait ds signer la lists des dSputSs leur donna le droit de ' treated fairly no matter what their political affiliation. Referring

to Abraham Lincoln's interpretation of democracy* he said it was

"Government by the people, for the people"., .

< 76. The Speaker wished the MPs a Happy X-Mas and a Prosperous New Year.

77. The sitting closed at 14.50.

* representer le peuple au Parlament. Toutefois, il regrette de voir qua le President de la Rdpublique critique 1*Opposition pour une chose qui na figure meme pas dans la Constitution. Le Chef de 1'Opposition fait remarquer qua nous avons eu les Elections il n'y a pas longtempa dont le Vanuaaku Parti en eat sort! vainqueur. Il continue en disant que l'UMP accepts cette ddfaite et en meme temps le parti remercie sea militants. Il fdlicite le Vanuaaku Parti pour ea victoire* Toutefois, il indique que l’UMP regrette d’avoir perdu lea Elections qu'il aurait pu gagner facilement. Il ajoute aussi que l’Oppo- sition aet prete b fournir une bonne Opposition pour sauvegarder la ddmocratie dans le pays. Il dit auesi que les rdsultats officials montrent que le peuple veut un changement et que l'Opposition ddtient la majority des voix. Le Ddputd Maxims CARLOT declare dgalement que certaines pereonnes pro- fbrent dee menaces & l'encontre dee autres, certaines socidtds ont licencid leurs employes et certaines communautds ont ddmdnagd aprfes avoir ragu des menaces. Il continue en diaant que le Gouvernement, avec le soutien de I1Oppo sition, procbdera & des reconciliations et reconstruction. Il demands au Gouvernement de ne pas prendre touts action discipllnaire contre les fonctionnaires, lee membree de la police et de la Force Mobile : ils n'ont fait qu'dxercer leurs droits de citoyen. Il pense que les commergants, les riches et les pauvres doivent etre traitds de la meme manibre quel que soit leur appartenance politique. Se rdfdrant b 1'interpretation de la ddmocratie donnde par Abraham Lincoln, 11 indique que le Gouvernement est dlu par le peuple. Il indique enfin qu'il ne devrait pas avoir de rancune aprba les Elections mais que tout le monde doit travailler en dtrolte collaboration pour ddvelopper le pays.

76. Le PrdBident du Parlement souhaite un Joyeux Noel et une Bonne et Heureuse Annde aux Honorables Odputda.

77 La Stance eet levde b 14H5D