Vanuatu cabinet

Of the 12 ministers, 10 have already served under former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau's government.

Among the new ministerial appointments are MP of Port Vila, Ralph Regenvanu as minister of climate change; MP of Luganville, Matai Seremaia as minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Corporation and external trade; and MP of Ambae, John Still Tari Qetu as minister of health.

Prime Minister Salwai said he would appoint his new Deputy Prime Minister shortly.

Charlot Salwai wants to increase the numbers in cabinet from 13 to 17.

Our correspondent said the protestors are likely to be from all sectors of Vanuatu society.

Meanwhile, the Daily Post newspaper reported the opposition leader, Ishmael Kalsakau, saying he has filed a legal challenge to the prime minister's move, saying extra ministries are far too costly at this time for the country.

Currently, the size of the cabinet can not exceed a quarter of the number of MPs.

However, Mr Salwai wants this to be increased to a third, which means cabinet can be increased from 13 to 17 ministers.

Vanuatu's parliament is to have a special sitting tomorrow to debate the required constitutional amendment.

Tess Newton Cain of TNC Pacific Consulting said Mr Salwai's ostensible reason for the expansion is that some ministers have been assigned too many portfolios, and they need to be divided up to be more manageable.