Jotham Napat elected new prime minister of Vanuatu

SUVA - Jotham Napat, president of the Leaders Party of Vanuatu, was elected the country's new prime minister on Tuesday, Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) reported.

Napat was elected through a secret ballot in the parliament in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu.

As the sole nominee in the election, Napat received 50 votes of support in the 52-seat parliament. The remaining two votes were void.

Addressing the parliament after his election, Napat expressed his deep appreciation for the support and highlighted the challenges ahead, particularly the country's reconstruction following the recent earthquake.

The Leaders Party secured nine seats, the most seats in the parliament, after the snap election on Jan 16.

Napat will lead a coalition government made up of five political parties: Leaders Party, Vanua'aku Party, Graon Mo Jastis Party, Reunification Movement for Change, and the Iauko Group.

Later on Tuesday, he appointed Johnny Koanapo Rasou as deputy prime minister, who will also serve as minister of finance and economic management, VBTC reported.