Posted on 06 September 2023
Earlier this week, Sato Kilman, leader of the People’s Progressive Party in Vanuatu, was elected as Vanuatu Prime Minister for the fifth time in Port Vila.
This comes following Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau was criticised by the opposition for signing a security pact with Australia, with leader of the opposition Bob Loughman saying it “compromised their neutral position.” This comes as the nation becomes host to increasing geopolitical competition, with China and US continue to attempt to upscale their influence in the South Pacific.
Kilman’s position or intended action on the security pact which has not yet been ratified remains unclear, with him saying ““At this point in time, I am not sure whether it is in the best interests of Vanuatu or not.”