VANUATU’S Opposition bloc has lodged a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Jotham Napat, citing six areas of concern over the government’s decisions and handling of public affairs.

The detailed motion was lodged on Monday and raises concerns ranging from the allocation of ministerial portfolios and the administration of public funds to alleged political interference, education and infrastructure development.

The six grounds outlined by the Opposition include the alleged unfair allocation of ministerial portfolios, irregular administration of the Value Addition Investment Capital Fund (VAICF), and alleged interference in the detention of the vessel LC Mahalia.

The Opposition also accused the Prime Minister of favouring political and personal associates, failing to address teachers’ concerns and diverting funding allocated for the redevelopment of Pekoa Airport.

On ministerial appointments, the Opposition argued that the government’s executive excludes Malekula from ministerial representation, despite the island having seven members of Parliament.

It also questioned the administration of the VT180 million VAICF, claiming the Prime Minister had failed to take sufficient steps to safeguard public funds and hold those responsible accountable.

The motion further alleges that Napat directed the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority to release LC Mahalia to transport public servants and equipment to Mota Lava for the Public Service Day Open Day.

On land issues, the Opposition accused the Prime Minister of using his position to protect the commercial interests of a close political associate, while leaving custom owners and residents at Solomon Hill on Santo at risk of losing their land and homes.

The Opposition also raised concerns over the government’s handling of teachers’ welfare, pointing to delays in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

It said the continued delay demonstrated a failure to give adequate attention to the welfare of teachers and children.

Infrastructure development, particularly the future of Pekoa Airport on Santo, was another key issue raised in the motion.

Parliament had allocated VT1 billion for the refurbishment and upgrading of the airport to accommodate long-haul international flights.

However, the Opposition alleged that the funding was diverted to tar-sealing roads in and around Port Vila, without the government securing approval during the 2026 Budget Session to replenish the allocation.

It argued that the decision had placed Santo’s development behind further roadworks in the capital and deprived the northern islands of an important infrastructure investment.

The Opposition said the failure to restore the Pekoa Airport funding and proceed with the upgrade demonstrated a lack of commitment to decentralisation.

The motion was signed by nine MPs, the maximum number permitted during an Ordinary Session of Parliament.

Malekula MP Gracia Shadrack moved the motion, while Opposition Leader and Port Vila MP Ishmael Kalsakau seconded it.

Other signatories include Marc Meulsul, Blaise Sumtoh, Anatol Hymak, Andrew Wilbur Napuat, Anthony Harry and MP for Alan Liki.