Vanua'aku Pati

The party's leader Ralph Regenvanu has confirmed this is in response to a request by a fellow government coalition party, the Vanua'aku Pati.

A by-election is to be held next month after the Vanua'aku Pati's President Joe Natuman lost his parliament seat.

Mr Natuman was earlier found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice and given a suspended two-year sentence.

His party intends to stand a candidate who could hold the seat until the next general election in 2020 when Mr Natuman hopes to return.

Pati representatives have confirmed the congress is scheduled to take place from September 4-7, 2016.

Vanua’aku Pati is currently without a president following the passing away of late Edward Nipake Natapei over year ago. Acting President, Joe Natuman, who is also Minister for Trade and Tourism, will instead officiate the opening.

According to VP constitution, election of the party executive takes place after every four years, and in this case, the term of the current executives lapse in 2018.