Prime Minister Edward Natapei reshuffled his cabinet to avoid his downfall in a planned no-confidence motion this Friday.
Pacnews source in Port Vila confirmed that UMP leader and former Prime Minister Serge Vohor has taken up the public utilities portfolio, held by Ham Lini, leader of the National United Party.
Lini has become minister for justice, replacing Joshua Kalsakau, who joins the backbench.
Another UMP member Rafael Vorvor takes over the lands portfolio from Joe Natuman, who has been reassigned the health ministry. Roro Sambo, who was previously health minister, now becomes the new leader of government business.
Charlod Saluwai, another UMP member is the new education minister, replacing Willie Abel, who has also joined the back bench.
The reshuffle now means that Natapei’s three-way coalition party has a majority of 31 seats in the 52 member parliament.
The three parties in the coalition government are the Vanua’aku Pati, National United Party and the Union of Moderate Party.
Pacnews understands that the latest political development means that the no-confidence motion sponsored by the opposition will be defeated in parliament on Friday.
