Three of the 14 politicians who were jailed for corruption in Vanuatu in 2015 could be out of prison as early as next month.
While the remaining 11 are not due for parole for some time, former prime ministers Moana Carcasses and Serge Vohor, along with former MP Steve Kalsakau, have applied because they have served half their sentences.
It will be up to the Parole Board to decide if the applications are successful.
The editor of the Vanuatu Independent newspaper Tony Wilson told Pacific Beat their possible release is likely to ruffle some feathers within the current government.
“Under Vanuatu law once you have served six months then you are eligible to apply and they have done that in writing about a week ago,” Wilson said.
The other 11 former MPs got extra sentences added on to their original sentences for their involvement in the pardoning incident and they will have to wait some time before they have served half their new sentence.
Wilson said surprisingly there has been very little publicity and public reaction so far.