New Vanuatu President Tallis Obed Moses takes up office

Newly-elected President of Vanuatu, Tallis Obed Moses has been sworn in to office following his election by the electoral college today.

The new Head of State who is 63 years old is from the island of Ambrym in the Malampa Province.

He is a pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu based in Port Vila.

Mr Moses holds a Diploma in Divinity and Mission as well as a Diploma of Theology from Australia.

The president is the first to be elected from the Malampa Province.

There was applause in Parliament Chambers this morning, as the results of voting were announced.

The electoral college which comprises of 52 Members of Parliament and chairs of the six provinces voted for the fourth time to elect a new president to succeed the late Baldwin Lonsdale who passed away late last month.

 A total of 16 candidates were nominated for the position.