The nine were among 13 prisoners pardoned earlier this month by Tallis Obed Moses.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported Opposition Leader Ralph Regenvanu calling on the President to explain to the public why the pardons were given and what the criteria was for selecting inmates to be pardoned.
Mr Regenvanu said selective pardoning of former MPs sent the wrong message about what Vanuatu stood for as it celebrated its 40th anniversary of independence this week.
