Various leaders from the opposition bloc contacted by Radio Vanuatu claim the government had not reached a compromise with them on support for its candidate.
As of Monday, all major political parties had not withdrawn their candidates.
The Union of Moderate Parties had publicly declared its support for Yvette Sam, a former political adviser in the UMP led government of Carlot Korman.
However, Radio Vanuatu believed UMP President Serge Vohor was likely to support Vanua’aku Pati’s preferred candidate, Kalo Nial, who comes from Vohor’s island of Santo.
The National United Party of deputy Prime Minister, Ham Lini had convinced the Vanuatu Republican Party to support its candidate, Kalkot Mataskelekele.
NUP and VRP believe Mataskelekele had some unfinished business to complete as the country’s president.
The new president, to be elected by the Electoral College, must have two-thirds majority or 39 votes to be elected.
The Electoral College is made up of the 52 members of parliament and presidents of Vanuatu’s six provincial councils.
Currently, Vanua’aku Pati has 10 MPs, UMP has 8, VRP with 7, NUP 6, while the opposition has 17 members of Parliament.
In the provinces, Vanua’aku Pati commands the presidency of Tafea, Malampa, and Shefa, VRP takes the lead in Sanma, and NUP leads Penama and Torba.
Eleven candidates, including two women, were contesting the position of head of state: Iolu Abbil, Vincent Boulekone, Leas Manu Cullwick, Enias Liatlatmal, David Lovis, Kalkot Mataskelekele, Kalo Nial, Yvette Sam, Luke Siba, Belton Seth and Jacques Sese.
