In Vanuatu, judge dismisses case arguing president violated constitution when dissolving parliament

Vanuatu Chief Justice (CJ) Vincent Lunabek dismissed the constitutional case filed by the applicants (Former Opposition group) Friday, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the President had signed the dissolution order with a conflict of interest. The case centred around the claim that the President had violated Article 66(2) of the Constitution by acting with a conflict of interest when signing the dissolution order. However, CJ Lunabek determined that the applicants’ submission failed to meet the required legal standards, and the court was not satisfied with the evidence provided. Therefore, the case was dismissed on the grounds of lack of evidence. [ . . . ] The CJ further ruled that the President holds all constitutional powers necessary to dissolve Parliament upon the request of the Council of Ministers (COM). This ruling reaffirms the President’s constitutional prerogatives and powers related to the dissolution of Parliament, aligning with the constitutional framework that grants such authority under specific conditions.
Read the full article here: Papua New Guinea Post-Courier