Political crisis

And many who talked to RNZ Pacific said they believe the opposition is partly at fault by constantly blocking the government from carrying out its mandate.

On Friday, the Vanuatu Supreme Court ruled in favour of the opposition, who contested a decision by parliament's speaker regarding what constitutes an absolute majority in parliament.

The court granted a stay order until Monday 3pm to allow the government time to appeal the decision.

The government is set to appeal, RNZ Pacific can confirm.

'People suffer'

The leaders of Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and New Caledonia's ruling FLNKS party, members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), will meet for two days from Wednesday at the National Convention Centre, officials said.

Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister Matai Seremaiah, speaking after a meeting of foreign ministers on Monday, said the leaders would consider declaring a "region of peace and neutrality".

A political stalemate persists, with both the government and the opposition having the support of 25 MPs each.

The mover of the motion, opposition leader and a former prime minister, Bob Loughman, requires the backing of at least 27 members to unseat Kalsakau.

However, Kalsakau also needs a majority in the house if he is to be able to pass legislation going forward.

Last Thursday, the government side boycotted a special sitting of parliament to avoid the no confidence motion.

Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge, Ali Hameed, were arrested hours after the government declared a state of emergency.

No details were given about the investigation or any charges.

The turmoil began when President Abdulla Yameen refused to obey a court order to release political dissidents.

The opposition have called the government moves a "purge" and there has been international condemnation.

Maldives is a nation is made up of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 individual islands, and tourism is a vital part of its economy.

President Nicolas Maduro is attending the talks, which are being supervised by a Vatican envoy and other mediators.

The opposition is demanding a referendum be allowed to take place on whether Mr Maduro should step down.

For its part the government wants the opposition to renounce violence and reject right-wing economic policies.

The meeting, at a museum in the west of the capital, Caracas, follows a general strike and huge opposition rallies.