23 Apr 2020

Ralph Regenvanu to lead Vanuatu opposition bloc

7:04 am on 23 April 2020

Ralph Regenvanu has been officially chosen to be the Leader of the Opposition in Vanuatu.

According to our correspondent in Vanuatu, Mr Regenvanu was nominated in a meeting on Wednesday by the 22 MPs in the opposition bloc.

Former prime minister Charlot Salwai has been chosen to be his deputy.

Vanuatu government representatives Johnny Koanapo (left) and Ralph Regenvanu (right) with Octo Mote, the secretary-general of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, in the middle, in Brussels, May 2017.

Vanuatu government representatives Johnny Koanapo (left) and Ralph Regenvanu (right) with Octo Mote, the secretary-general of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, in the middle, in Brussels, May 2017. Photo: Supplied

Mr Salwai nominated Mr Regenvanu as the opposition's candidate for prime minister in parliament on Monday.

He lost to the newly elected prime minister and president of the Vanuaku Party, Bob Loughman 31 votes to 21.