Constitutional amendments

One of the amendments is to extend the term of parliament to five years from the current four.

It will also include a new definition of what constitutes the '"people of Vanuatu."

This aims to encompass indigenous and naturalised citizens and the descendants of naturalised citizens.

The changes will allow cabinet to be increased to 17 members from 13.

Another feature of the amendments would be to allow those with dual citizenship to hold public office, in certain circumstances which are in the public interest.

However, the bill was later deferred for further review.

The special session this morning resumed after it was forced to adjourn last Thursday due to a protest by the Opposition to boycott the sitting.

There are about 10 points in the constitutional amendments that have in fact contained about 50 changes in the constitution.

Prime Minister Salwai Tabimasmas says the purpose of the constitutional amendments are to enable regulation of political parties and safeguard political stability and integrity of leaders in Vanuatu.