REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau faces a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, after the opposition accused his government of abandoning a non-aligned foreign policy by signing a security pact with Australia.
The petition, lodged a fortnight ago, was signed by 29 lawmakers, enough to topple the prime minister.
Loughman drew Vanuatu closer to China as the previous prime minister.
Kalsakau has said the constitution requires an absolute majority for the removal of a prime minister.
Kalsakau has reshuffled his cabinet in an effort to win support ahead of the vote, with the new deputy prime minister making a show of support for China.
Persons:
Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, Eduardo Munoz, Ishmael Kalsakau, Bob Loughman, Loughman, Kalsakau, Matai Seremaiah, Samson Samsen, Kirsty Needham, Miral
Organizations:
United Nations Headquarters, REUTERS, Rights, Vanuatu, Trade, Thomson
Locations:
Vanuatu, New York City, U.S, Australia, China, United States, Beijing, Solomon Islands