CERTIFICATION
The Minutes of Proceedings which appear in the following book have been established by the Clerk of Parliament and have been amended and confirmed by Parliament in accordance with the provisions of Article 18 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Hon. ESmon SALMON Leon TETER Speaker of Parliament Clerk of Parliament ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF PARLIAMENT
SPECIAL SITTING OF 2016
9 June 2016
Speaker of Parliament
His Excellency, Hon. Esmon SAIMON
Parliament Office-Holders
First Deputy Speaker -Hon. Edwin Amblus MACREVETH Second Deputy Speaker - Vacant Third Deputy Speaker - Hon. Alickson
Fourth Deputy Speaker - Hon. Marcellino BARTHELEMY Leader of the Government in the Parliament - Hon. Chariot SAL WAI Tabimasmas
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Parliament - Hon. Joe NATUMAN
Leader of the Opposition - Hon. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau
Deputy Leader of the Opposition - Hon. Sato KILMAN Leader of Government Business - Hon. Fred Tasso WILLIAM
Government Whip - Hon. - Bob LOUGHMAN
Opposition Whip - Hon. - Christopher EMELEE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU (These Ministers constitute the Cabinet and were in office on 9 June 2016)
Prime Minister and Minister of Public Hon. Chariot SAL WAI Tabimasmas Service
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Hon. Joe NATUMAN Trade Industry and Commerce
Minister of Infrastructure and Public Hon. Jotham NAPAT Utilities
Minister of Foreign Affairs, External Hon. Bruno LENGKON Trade and Telecommunication
Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Alfred MAOH
Minister of Finance and Economic Hon. Gaetan PIKIOUNE Management
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Hon. Matai SEREMAIAH Fisheries
Minister of Health Hon. Daniel Toara KALO
Minister of Education Hon. Jean Pierre NIRUA
Minister of Lands, Geology and Mines Hon. Ralph REGENVANU and Water Resources
Minister of Justice and Social Welfare Hon.Ronald Warsal KALMASEI
Minister of Youth and Sports VACANT
Minister of Climate Changes Hon. Ham LINI Vanuaroroa.
11 ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF PARLIAMENT
SPECIAL SITTING OF 2016
9 June 2016
ALATOI, Hon. Ishmael Kalsakau Member for Port Vila UMP
ATI, Hon. Marc Member for Luganville IG
BARTHELEMY, Hon. Marcellino Member for Malekula RMC
CHADRACK, Hon Gracia Member for Malekula IND
EDWIN, Hon. Amblus Macreveth Member for Santo FMP
EMELEE, Hon. Christopher Claude Member for Torres VNDP
KALMET, Hon. Norris Member for Efate UMP
KALO, Hon. Toara Daniel Member for Shepherds VGC
KALO, Hon. Seule Member for Port Vila VGC
KALSAKAU, Hon. Joshua Tafura Member for Efate VLP
KALSAKAU, Hon. Ephraim Member for Port Vila IND
KANAS, Hon. Jerry Member for Efate IND
KEN, Hon. Don Stephen Member for Malekula PSP
KILMAN, Hon. Sato Member for Malekula PPP
KOANAPO, Hon. Johnny Rasou Member for Tanna VP
LANO, Hon. Kalo Pakoa Songi Member for Tongoa IG
LENGKON, Hon. Bruno Member for Ambrym NUP
LINI, Vanuaroroa, Hon. Ham Member for Pentecost NUP
LOUGHMAN, Hon. Bob Member for Tanna VP
LUDVAUNE, Hon. Jerome Member for Malekula UMP
MAHE, Hon. Rick Tchamako Member for Santo RMC MAOH, Hon. Alfred Member for Santo GJP
MATA, Hon. Jacob Member for Ambae NAG
MELVE, Hon. Silas Bule Member for Pentecost NUP
NALING, Hon. Tomker Netvunei Member for Tafea Outer Islands UMP
NAP AT, Hon. Jotham Member for Tanna LPV
NAPUAT, Hon. Andrew Solomon Member for Tanna GJP
NATAPEI, Hon. Kenneth Member for Port Vila VP
NATUMAN, Hon. Joe Member for Tanna VP
NATUMAN, Hon. Nakou Member for Tanna UMP
NEVU, Hon. Hosea Rothul Ovock Member for Santo IG
NGWELE, Hon. Jay Member for Ambae IG
NIRUA, Hon. Jean Pierre Member for Port Vila IND
NOAM, Hon. Iouniwan Tom Member for Tanna IND
PIKIOUNE, Hon. Gaetan Member for Santo NAG
REGENVANU, Hon. Ralph Member for Port Vila GJP
SAIMON, Hon. Esmon Member for Malekula VP
SALA, Hon. John Member for Malekula GJP
SAL WAI, Hon. Chariot Tabimasmas Member for Pentecost RMC
SAMSEN, Hon. Samson Member for Santo VPP
SEOULE, Hon. Simeon Member for Epi UMP
SEREMAIAH, Hon. Matai Member for Luganville IND
TABISAL, Hon. Chani Francois Member for Pentecost NUP
TASSO, Hon. William Fred Member for Paama GJP
TONGOLILU, Hon. Daniel Isaac Member for Epi IND
iv VIRA, Hon. Alickson Member for Ambae NATATOK
WARSAL, Hon. Ronald Kalmasei Member for Santo VP
WILLIAMS, Hon. Albert Abel Member for Ambrym GJP
WILSON, Hon. Ian Member for Maewo IND
WONA, Hon. Jack Member for Banks VNDP
Political Party Abbreviation
FMP Fen Melanesian Party (1) PSP People Service Party (1) GJP Graon mo Jastis Party (6) RMC Reunification Movement for Change (3) IG Iauko Group (4) UMP Union of Moderate Party (6) IND Independent (8) VGC Vanuatu Green Confederation (2) LPV Leaders Party of Vanuatu (1) VLP Vanuatu Labour Party (1) NAG Nagriamel (2) VNDP Vanuatu National Development Party (2) NAT Natatok (1) VP Vanua’aku Party (6) NUP National United Party (4) VPP Vanuatu Presidential Party (1) PPP Peoples Progressive Party (1) PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF PARLIAMENT
SPECIAL SITTING OF 2016
THURSDAY 09 JUNE 2016
SPEAKER : The Hon. Esmon SAIMON, Member for Maleukla
PRESENT : 35 members
ABSENT : The Hon. Alatoi Ishmael KALSAKAU, Member for Port Vila, The Hon. Mac ATI, Member for Santo, The Hon. Christophe EMELE, Member for Banks/Torres, The Hon. Ephraim KALSAKAU, Member for Port Vila, The Hon. Joshua KALSAKAU, Member for Efate, The Hon. Ton KEN, Member for Malekula, The Hon. Sato KILMAN, Member for Malekula, The Hon. Hosea NEVU, Member for Santo, The Hon. Jay NGWELE, Member for Ambae, The Hon. Tom NOAM, Member for Tanna, The Hon. Kalo PAKOASONGI, Member for Tongoa, The Hon. Samson SAMSEN, Member for Santo, The Hon. Isaac TONGOLILU, Member for Epi, The Hon lan WILSON, Member for Maewo, The Hon. Jack WONA, Member for Banks/Torres
LATE :
1. The sitting commenced at 9.20a.m.
2. The Hon. Speaker SAIMON said the prayer.
3. The Hon. Speaker SAIMON referred to Article 85 of the Constitution and then declared the Special Sitting officially open. He then read Article 85 of the Constitution which states that a Bill for an amendment of the Constitution shall not come into effect unless it is supported by votes of no less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament at a special sitting of Parliament at which three-quarters of the members are present. If there is no such quorum at the first sitting, Parliament may meet and make a decision by the same majority a week later even if only two-thirds of the members are present. As there were only 35 Members present, there was no quorum required to proceed with the businesses Parliament has been summoned for. He then postponed the sitting to Thursday 16th June 2016 at 8.30a.m.
4. The sitting was adjourned at 9.25a.m.
2 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF PARLIAMENT
SPECIAL SITTING OF 2016
THURSDAY 16 JUNE 2016
SPEAKER : The Hon. Esmon SAIMON, Member for Maleukla
PRESENT : 50 Present
ABSENT :
1. The sitting commenced at 9.50a.m.
2. The Hon. Toara D. KALO, Minister of Health and Member for Shepherds Outer Islands, said the prayer.
3. The Hon. Speaker SAIMON stated that the Parliament was meeting today following the adjournment on Thursday 9th June 2016. He explained that there was no required quorum on that day therefore, Parliament was adjourned till today. He then read the summon and notice of this special sitting and as well as Article 84 and 85 in Chapter 14 of the Constitution. He explained that the required quorum for that day was two-thirds and as there were 50 Members present, it rendered the Parliament to be legally constituted to proceed with its agenda.
BILL FOR THE CONSTITUTION (SEVENTH) (AMENDMENT) ACT NO. OF 2016
FIRST READING
4. The Hon. Chariot SAL WAI, Prime Minister and Member for Pentecost, introduced the Bill, stated the reasons for the amendments and then moved that the Bill be read a first time.
5. The Hon. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau, Leader of Opposition and Member for Port Vila, said he understood that the Prime Minister had promised the people of Vanuatu on a referendum where it is important that people have their say, not only politically but according to their livelihoods. He said this country is comprised of custom and many MPs in the House are people with Christian values and custom names that have
3 spiritual meanings. He said the Constitution is based on Christian values and tradition but should not drive people away from their fundamental rights. He said he still relies on the referendum and that the Opposition was of the opinion that it must be done at grass root levels, in Nakamais and directly to the people. He referred to the Constitution as 'Stampa blong Nation' and the spirit of the ancestors still stands firm on it, therefore, it should not be treated as a normal Bill. He went on that the people of this country are the ones to give the Government the right to make changes in the Constitution. However, the attitude of acting as ‘ grass hope rs' must be erased. He noted that the amendments were going against the people’s fundamental rights such as freedom and what the Government was doing is a mockery to the Constitution itself. He then made reference to the Article 5 of the Constitution which was the core provision for Independence, where, voters have the right to vote any person they think is the best candidate to stand for them. He said people should have the freedom to put and remove a Prime Minister. Concerning the Auditor General, he said, the Office was malfunctioning and the Government should ensure it works before inserting it into the Constitution. He concluded that he spoke on behalf of responsible Leaders with custom values and that the Constitutional amendment was not a game, therefore, the Opposition would not be part of it.
6. The Hon. Samson SAMSEN, Member for Santo, stated that the idea of having reserve seats for women will be an expensive exercise. He said that since the Government is facing a shortage of cash flow, he wanted to know how much could be spent on the proposal. He went on to say that Vanuatu is a democratic nation and that someone was trying to protect himself behind these changes. He said some of the points in the Bill may be considered but the rest has a strong possibility of confusing people. In conclusion, he said people have the obligation to know how these changes will affect them.
7. The Hon. Andrew NAPUAT, Member for Tanna, began by acknowledging the remarks of the Leader of Opposition and said that he fully agrees on having a referendum. He then referred and read Article 85 and 86 on 'The procedure ofpassing Constitutional amendments' and 'Amendments requiring support of referendum' and confirmed that these procedures have been followed and that Parliament may proceed with the passing and then obtain support of referendum. He said people are drained by political instability which is the reason for the amendments. He concluded that he disagreed on the idea that the Bill was politically manipulated.
8. The Hon. Ralph REGENVANU, Minister of Lands and Member for Port Vila, confirmed that this was not a politically manipulated Bill and that the issue of political instability has been addressed Government after Government but did not succeed. He added that in 1984 the Hon. Fr Walter LINI tried to pass the Bill of political instability but did not pass because the Constitution disallowed to do so, therefore, the Government decided to amend the Constitution to kindle the founding father’s dreams. He said that this House was full of fake people who act as grasshoppers and that needed to be changed as well. To conclude, he made it clear that Presidents of Political Parties have agreed to make this change as a national interest and not personal.
9. The Hon. Christopher EMELEE, Opposition Whip and Member for Torres, explained that no one was against the amendments, however, the Opposition wants the Government to comply with the process as set out in the Constitution. He added that the
4 Opposition also intended to ensure that the process followed during the sixth amendment is not repeated. He then asked the Minister of Lands to withdraw the terms he referred to as "fake" people and "grasshoppers" in the House. He urged the Minister to apologize for the terms he used on Leaders of this Nation.
The Hon. Minister REGENVANU withdrew what he had said and asked the Leader of Opposition to do the same.
The Hon. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau explained that the term "grasshoper' referred to the attitude and not directed to any person. He also pointed out that the first political break away happened in 1994 and the reason for this can only be found in the Minister’s own home. He also reminded the Government that the Minister of Lands has also been part of several change of Governments, however, it is not the right time to talk about this issue. He then withdrew the term he used and apologized for it.
The Hon. Sato KILMAN, Deputy Leader of Opposition and Member for Malekula, stated that time can be spent on talking about these changes but the solution will remain a referendum. He said the best way to convince people is to explain in what ways these changes will benefit them. Again, he joined the other Members referring to Article 85 of the Constitution and said that there must be a referendum. He wanted to know how these changes would be considered if there was not a referendum carried out. He concluded that it was important that people really understand the purpose of these changes because there was a big difference between the amendment and what has been explained.
The Hon. Chariot SAL WAI, Prime Minister and Member for Pentecost, explained that the amendments aimed at erasing bad practices and assured the Opposition about the referendum where the funds are yet to be appropriated for. He also explained that the Bill may be referred to a committee after the first reading. He went on that it was important to create a mechanism in the Constitution to regulate the legislation. He also assured the House and the nation that the Government has no intention to deprive people from their freedom. Concerning the Auditor General, he explained that since he is employed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) he cannot audit the PSC and that was why the Government decided to have the Auditor General’s function enclosed in the Constitution and ensure it is an independent Office. As for the signing of motions, he said this was purposely introduced to promote transparency and avoid forgery. All in all, he assured the House that the Bill will be referred to a referendum.
Seconded by the Hon. Fred TASSO, Government Whip and Member for Paama, the Hon. Bob LOUGHMAN, Leader of Government Business and Member for Tanna, moved a motion to suspend Standing Order (SO) 16(2) to allow Parliament to continue to meet after 11.30a.m.
The motion was approved unanimously.
The Hon. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau, asked the Prime Minister to confirm if the Bill would be referred to a committee.
The Hon. PM SAL WAI confirmed that the Bill will be referred to a committee.
5 18. The motion that the Bill be read a first time in Parliament was carried unanimously.
19. Seconded by the Hon. Bruno LENGKON, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member for Ambrym, the Hon. Joe NATUMAN, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and Member for Tanna, moved a motion according to SO 29(1) to refer the Bill of the Constitutional amendments to an AdHoc Committee for further consultations and then provide a report to be tabled and discussed in Parliament. He added that Parliament will appoint an AdHoc Committee during the upcoming Ordinary session or an Extra Ordinary session.
20. The motion was approved unanimously.
21. The Hon. Speaker SAIMON confirmed that the Bill will now be referred to an AdHoc Committee for further consultations. He then thanked both sides of the House for their contributions and declared the Special Sitting of 2016 officially close.
22. THE SPECIAL SITTING OF THE ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF 2016 WAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED AT 11.40A.M.
6 PARLEMENT DE LA PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIQUE DU VANUATU REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
ONZIEME LEGISLATURE SESSION SPECIALE DE 2016 09 -16 JUIN 2016
ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE SPECIAL SITTING OF 2016 9-16 JUNE 2016
SUMMARISED PROCEEDINGS PROCES -VERBAUX AUTHENTIFICATION
Les proces-verbaux qui figurent dans le present recueil ont ete etablis par le Secretaire general du Parlement du Parlement et conformement aux dispositions de 1’ article 18 du Reglement interieur. Ils ont ete corriges et confirm es par le Parlement.
M. SAIMON Esmon M. TETER Leon President du Parlement Secretaire general du Parlement ONZIEME LEGISLATURE DU PARLEMENT
SESSION SPECIALE DE 2016
09 juin 2016
President du Parlement
M. SAIMON Esmon
Membres du Bureau au Parlement
Premier Vice-President - monsieur MACREVETH Edwin Amblus Deuxieme vice-President - Vacant
Troisieme vice-President - monsieur VIRA Alickson
Quatrieme vice-President - monsieur BARTHELEMY Marcellino
Chef du gouvernement au Parlement - monsieur TABIMASMAS Chariot Salwai
Chef-adjoint du gouvernement au Parlement - monsieur NATUMAN Joe
Chef de I ’Opposition - monsieur ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau
Chef-adjoint de I' Opposition - monsieur KILMAN Sato
Leader parlementaire- monsieur WILLIAM Fred Tasso
Chef de file du gouvernement au Parlement - monsieur LOUGHMAN Bob
Chef de file de I ’Opposition - monsieur EMELEE Christopher GOVERNEMENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU VANUATU (Ces ministres composent le Cabinet et occupant leurs bureaux le 09 Juin 2016)
Premier ministre et ministre de la M. SAL WAI Chariot Tabimasmas Fonction publique
Vice Premier ministre et ministre du M. NATUMAN Joe Commerce, de /’ Industrie et du Tourisme
Ministre des Services publics et des M. NAP AT Jotham Infrastructures
Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres et du M. LENGKON Bruno Commerce exlerieur
Ministre des Affaires interieures M. MAOH Alfred
Ministre des Finances et de la Gestion M. PIKIOUNE Gaetan economique
Ministre de V Agriculture, des Forets et M SEREMAIAH Matai de la peche
Ministre de la Sante M. KALO Daniel Toara
Ministre de I* Education M. NIRUA Jean-Pierre
Ministre des Ter res, de la Gdologie, des M. REGENVANU Ralph Mines et des Eaux
Ministre de la Justice et du bien-etre M. KALMASEI Ronald Warsal social
Ministre de la Jeunesse et des Sports VACANT
Ministre des Changements climatiques M. LINI Ham Vanuaroroa.
11 ONZIEME LEGISLATURE DU PARLEMENT
SESSION SPECIALE DE 2016
9 June 2016
ALATOI, Ishmael Kalsakau Depute de Port Vila UMP
ATI, M Marc Depute de Luganville IG
BARTHELEMY, M. Marcellino Depute de Mallicolo RMC
CHADRACK, M. Gracia Depute de Mallicolo IND
EDWIN, M. Amblus Macreveth Depute de Santo FMP
EMELEE, M. Christopher Claude Depute des lies Torres VNDP
KALMET, M. Norris Depute d’ Efate UMP
KALO, M. Toara Daniel Depute de Shepherds VGC
KALO, M. Seule Depute de Port-Vila VGC
KALSAKAU, M. Joshua Tafura Depute d’ Efate VLP
KALSAKAU, M. Ephraim Depute de Port-Vila IND
KANAS, M. Jerry Depute d’ Efate IND
KEN. M. Don Stephen Depute de Mallicolo PSP
KILMAN, M. Sato Depute de Mallicolo PPP
KOANAPO, M. Johnny Rasou Depute de Tanna VP
LANO, M. Kalo Pakoa Songi Depute de Tongoa IG
LENGKON, M. Bruno Depute d’ Ambrym NUP
LINI, Vanuaroroa, M. Ham Depute de Pentecote NUP
LOUGHMAN, M. Bob Depute de Tanna VP
LUDVAUNE, M. Jerome Depute de Mallicolo UMP
MAHE, M. Rick Tchamako Depute de Santo RMC MAOH, M. Alfred Depute de Santo GJP
MATA, M. Jacob Depute d’ Ambae NAG
MELVE, M. Silas Bule Depute de Pentecote NUP
NALING, M. Tomker Netvunei Depute des lies isolees de Tafea UMP
NAPAT, M. Jotham Depute de Tanna LPV
NAPUAT, M. Andrew Solomon Depute de Tanna GJP
NATAPEI, M. Kenneth Depute de Port Vila VP
NATUMAN, M. Joe Depute de Tanna VP
NATUMAN, M. Nakou Depute de Tanna UMP
NEVU, M. Hosea Rothul Ovock Depute de Santo IG
NGWELE, M. Jay Depute d’ Aoba IG
NIRUA, M. Jean Pierre Depute de Port Vila IND
NOAM, M. Iouni wan Tom Depute de Tanna IND
PIKIOUNE, M. Gaetan Depute de Santo NAG
REGENVANU, M. Ralph Depute de Port-Vila GJP
SAIMON, M. Esmon Depute de Mallicolo VP
SALA, M. John Depute de Mallicolo GJP
SAL WAI, M. Chariot Tabimasmas Depute de Pentecote RMC
SAMSEN, M. Samson Depute de Santo VPP
SEOULE, M. Simeon Depute de Epi UMP
SEREMAIAH, M. Matai Depute de Luganville IND
TABISAL, M. Chani Francois Depute de Pentecote NUP
TASSO, M. William Fred Depute de Paama GJP
TONGOLILU, M. Daniel Isaac Depute d’ Epi IND
IV VIRA, M. Alickson Depute de Ambae NATATOK
WARS AL, M. Ronald Kalmasei Depute de Santo VP
WILLIAMS, M. Albert Abel Depute d’ Ambrym GJP
WILSON, M. Ian Depute de Maewo IND
WONA, M. Jack Depute des lies Banks VNDP
Abbreviations des Partis Politiques
FMP Friend Melanesian Party (1) PSP People Service Party (1) GJP Graon more Justice Party (6) RMC Reunification Movement for Change (3) IG Iauko Group (4) UMP Union of Moderate Party (6) IND Independent(8) Vgc Vanuatu Green Confederation (2) LPV Leaders Party of Vanuatu (1) VLP Vanuatu Labour Party (1) NAG Nagriamel (2) VNDP Vanuatu National Development Party (2) 5jat Natatok (1) VP Vanua’ku Party (6) NUP National United Party (4) VPP Vanuatu Presidential Party (1) PPP People Progressive Party (1)
v PARLEMENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU VANUATU
ONXIEME LEGISLATURE DU PARLEMENT
SEANCE SPECIALE DE 2016
JEUDI 09 JUIN 2016
PRESIDENT: M. SAIMON Esmon, depute de Mallicollo
PRESENT : 35 deputes
ABSENT : M. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau, depute de Port-Vila, M. ATI Marc, depute de Santo, M. EMELE Christophe, depute des lies Torres, M. KALSAKAU Ephraim, depute de Port-Vila, M. KALSAKAU Joshua, depute d'Efate, M. KEN Ton, depute de Mallicolo, M. KILMAN Sato, depute de Mallicolo, M. NEVU Hosea, depute de Santo, M. NGWELE Jay, depute d’Aoba, M. NOAM Tom, depute de Tanna, M. PAKOASONGI Kalo, depute de Tongoa, M. SAMSEN Samson, depute de Santo, M. TONGOLILU Isaac, depute d’ Epi, M. WILSON Ian, depute de Maewo, M. WONA Jack, depute des lies Banks.
RETARD
1. La seance commence a 09h20mn.
2. Le President SAIMON dit la priere.
3. Se referant a 1’Article 85 de la Constitution, le President declare officiellement I’ouverture de la Session Speciale. Il fait lecture de l’Article 85 de la Constitution qui prevoit que le projet ou la proposition de revision doit etre adopte par le Parlement a la majorite des deux tiers de ses membres au cours d’une seance specialement tenue a cet effet qui doit reunir les trois quarts de ses membres. Il explique que si ce quorum n’est pas atteint lors de la premiere seance, le Parlement peut sieger et prendre une decision a la meme majorite, une semaine plus tard, meme si seulement les deux tiers de ses membres sont presents. Notifiant la presence de 35 deputes, il declare que le quorum requis n’est pas constitue et que ie Parlement ne peut pas proceder aux affaires de cette seance. Il ajoume la seance au jeudi 16 juin 2016 a 08h30mn.
4. La seance est ajournee a 09h25mn. PARLEMENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU VANUATU
ONZIEME LEGISLATURE DU PARLEMENT
SEANCE SPECIALE DE 2016
JEUDI16 JUIN 2016
SPEAKER : M. SAIMON Esmon, depute de Mallicolo.
PRESENT : 50 deputes
ABSENT :
1. La seance commence a 09h50mn.
2. M. KALO Toara D., ministre de la Sante et depute des Shepherds, dit la priere.
3. Le President SAIMON declare que le Parlement sidge aujourd’hui suite & la seance du jeudi 09 juin 2016 qui a ete ajoumee. Il explique que vu f absence de quorum ce jour la, le Parlement doit ajouner pour sieger aujourd’hui. 11 donne ensuite lecture de l’avis et la convocation de cette Seance de meme que les Articles 84 et 85 au TITRE XIV de la Constitution. Il explique que le quorum requis pour aujourd’hui est de deux tiers et vu qu’il y a 50 deputes presents, le Parlement est regalement constitue pour proceder aux affaires a l’ordre du jour.
PROJET DE LOI No. DE 2016 SUR LA SEPTIEME REVISION DE LA CONSTITUTION
PREMIERE LECTURE
4. M. SAL WAI Chariot, Premier ministre et depute de Pentecote, presente le projet de Loi, en explique les motifs et en propose 1’ examen en premiere lecture.
5. M. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau., Chef de 1’Opposition et depute de Port-Vila, dit comprendre que le Premier ministre avait promis un referendum pour avoir opinion du peuple du Vanuatu, sur le plan de la vie sociale et non pas seulement politique. 11 affirme que ce pays est plein de compromis culturel et que plusieurs deputes partagent les valeurs chretiennes, tout en portant des noms coutumiers ayant des significations spirituelles. Il ajoute que la Constitution est basee sur les valeurs chretiennes et traditionnelles sans pour autant nier les droits fondamentaux. Il dit insister sur la referendum et que 1’Opposition pense que la population de base a le droit de parler. Se referant a la Constitution comme "Fondement de la Nation” (Stamba bio Nation) et reflet egalement des esprits des ancetres, il affirme que ce projet de Loi est different des autres. Il ajoute que le gouvemement qui represente le peuple, doit passer par un referundum pour modifier la Constitution et qu’il faut arreter de se comporter comme les sauterelles. Il notifie que les modifications prevues dans ce projet de Loi sont contre les droits fondamentaux du 2 peuple comme la liberte et que c’est une moquerie de la part du gouvemement envers la Constitution du pays. Se referant a 1’Article 5 de la Constitution qui represente un peu le noyau de 1’independance, permettant ainsi un vote libre sur un canditat, il affirme que 1’ election ou la revocation d’ un Premier ministre devrait etre fait librement. Concemant le Bureau du Verificateur General des Comptes publics, il affirme qu’il y a des problemes d’administration et que le gouvemement aurait du trouver une solution au lieu d’inserer le Bureau dans la Constitution. Il conclut qu’il parle en faveur des Leaders se basant sur les valeurs culturelles et que la modification de la Constitution n’est pas un jeu, raison pour laquelle, 1’Opposition votera contre ce projet de Loi.
6. M. SAMSEN Samson, depute de Santo, declare que l’idee d’adopter un siege reserve aux femmes serait tres couteuse. Il veut connaitre les depenses sur cette proposition vu que le gouvemement a des problemes de finances. Il affirme que le Vanuatu est un pays democratique et qu’une personne cherche a se proteger derriere ces modifications. Il ajoute que certains points du projet de Loi sont considerables mais que la plupart sont trop confuses. Il conclut que le peuple doit connaitre les inconvenients de ces modifications.
7. M. NAPUAT Andrew, depute de Tanna, remercie en premier le Chef de l’Opposition pour sa remarque concemant le referendum qu’il approuve lui aussi totalement. Se rdferant aux Articles 85, Conditions d’adoption et 86, Ratification referendaire, il confirme que ces procedures ont ete suivies et qu’il revient au Parlement d’adopter ce projet de Loi pour organiser ce referundum. Il ajoute que le peuple est desoriente par l’instabilite politique, ce qui explique ces modifications. En conclusion, il dit rejeter l’idee que ce projet de Loi soit une pratique de manipulation.
8. M. REGENVANU Ralph, ministre des Affaires foncieres et depute de Port-Vila, confirme que ce projet de Loi n’est pas un outil de manipulation politique mais un objectif contre l’instabilite politique incessante dans le pays. Il ajoute qu’ en 1984, M. LINI Walter a essaye de lutter contre cette instability politique par un projet de Loi mais la Loi qui n’ a pas ete adoptee a cause de son inconformite a la Constitution c’est pourquoi le gouvemement actuel a decide de modifier la Constitution pour realiser les reves du fondateur de 1’independance. Il affirme qu’il y a plusieurs hypocrites au Parlement qui se comportent comme des sauterelles et qui ont besoin d’un coup de main pour changer. En conclusion, il precise que les leaders de chaque parti politique ont consenti ces modifications pour l’interet national et non personnel.
9. M. EMELEE Christopher. Whip de l’Opposition et depute des lies Torres, explique que personne n’est contre ces modifications mais f Opposition estime inconformes avec la Constitution les procedures et qu’ elle veut ainsi s’ assurer de pres que les procedures appliquees lors de la sixieme modification ne soient pas repetees. Il demande au ministre des Affaires foncieres de retirer dans sa declaration les mots “hypocrites” et “sauterelles” devant ce Parlement et de s’ en excuser aupres de leaders de ce pays.
10. M. REGENVANU retire sa declaration et demande au chef de l’Opposition d’ en faire autant.
11. M. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau Ismael explique que le terme “sauterelles” est juste un terme metaphorique justifiant une attitude et non directement une personne. 11 souligne que la premiere rupture politique a commence en 1994 et que la raison de cette rupture emane bien du propre foyer du ministre. Il rapelle aussi le gouvemement que le ministre des Affaires foncieres est aussi implique dans plusieurs changements de gouvemement
3 mais que ce n’ est pas le moment d’en discuter. Il retire les termes utilises puis s’excuse aupres des leaders.
12. M. KILMAN Sato, Chef-adjoint de 1’Opposition et depute de Mallicolo, affirme que ce temps peut bien etre utilise pour discuter de ces modifications mais que la seule solution de tout ceci est le referendum. Il ajoute que les meilleures options c’est de donner une explication convaincante sur les avantages benefiques de ces modifications. 11 se joint ensuite aux autres deputes ayant cite 1’ Article 85 de la Constitution pour dire qu’ il faut un referendum. Il veut savoir comment ces modifications seront mises en consideration sans le referundum. Il conclut qu’il est important que la population connaisse les vrais objectifs de ces modifications attendu qu’ il y a une grande difference entre lesdites modifications et les explications soumises.
13. M. SALWAI Chariot, Premier ministre et depute de Pentecote, explique que ces modifications visent a mettre fin aux mauvaises pratiques puis rassure 1’Opposition que le referendum sera applique une fois que les fonds soient approuves. Il explique davantage que le projet de Loi sera transfere a une Commission Ad Hoc apres 1’adoption de la premiere lecture. Il insiste sur 1’ importance de creer un mecanisme dans la Constitution pour regulariser la Loi. Il assure le Parlement et la Nation que le gouvemement n’ a aucune intention de retirer les droits de liberte du peuple. Concemant 1’insertion du Bureau du Verificateur General des comptes publics, il explique que cette decision a ete prise apres que le Vdrificateur General n’ aie pas pu assumer son role d’audit dans la Commission de la Fonction Publique, du fait qu’elle est l’employeur mais que le bureau sera independant apres cette insertion. Quant a la procedure concemant la signature des motions, il dit que c’est une maniere de privilegier la transparence. Il rassure le Parlement que le projet de Loi sera transfere vers un referundum.
14. M. LOUGHMAN Bob, Chef du groupe majoritaire et depute de Tanna, appuye par M. TASSO Fred, Chef de file du gouvemement et depute de Paama, propose une motion de suspendre 1’Article 16.2) du Reglement Interieur pour permettre au Parlement de sieger apres llh30mn.
15. La motion est approuvee a 1 ’ unanimite.
16. M. ALATOI Ishmael Kalsakau demande au Premier ministre de confirmer si ce projet de Loi sera revu par une commission.
17. M. SALWAI confirme sa declaration.
18. La motion portant adoption du projet de Loi en premiere lecture est approuvee a 1’unanimite.
19. M. NATUMAN Joe, vice-Premier ministre et ministre du Commerce, de l’lndustrie et du Tourisme, appuye par M. LENGKON Bruno, ministre des Affaires Etrangeres et depute d’Ambrym, propose une motion conformement a 1’Article 29.1) du Reglement Interieur visant a transferer le projet de Loi de la Revision de la Constitution aupres d’une Commission AdHoc pour plus de consultations et de presenter un rapport pour un debat au Parlement. Il ajoute que la nomination des membres de la Commission sera faite durant la session suivante.
20. La motion est approuvee a 1’unanimite.
4 21. Le President SAIMON confirme que le projet de Loi sera examinee attentivement par la Commission AdHoc. 11 remercie ensuite l’hemicycle pour sa contribution et declare close la session Speciale de 2016.
22. LA SEANCE SPECIALE DE LA ONZIEME LEGISLATURE DE 2016 EST OFFICIELLEMENT CLOSE A 11H40MN.
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