Ishmael Kalsakau, interim prime minister and head of the Union of Moderate Parties, is elected unopposed by secret ballot as the new prime minister, succeeding Bob Loughman.

Voting for parliament. The Supreme Court has dismissed the challenge to the dissolution of parliament. Ralph Regenvanu of the Graon mo Jastis Pati (GJP) has accused Loughman of proposing “dangerous” amendments to the constitution – a shift from a four-year to a five-year election cycle and limiting the Supreme Court’s chief justice to a five-year term.

President Nikenike Vurobaravu dissolves parliament to prevent a no-confidence vote against PM Loughman. The opposition, led by Ralph Regenvanu, says it has the support of 29 of the 52 MPs. Loughman says they are unhappy that he would not increase their allowances during this time of economic hardship.

President Obed Moses Tallis pardons the criminal convictions of three former prime ministers: Charlot Salwai, Joe Natuman, and Serge Vohor, who are therefore able to run again for public office. He did not pardon former prime minister, Moana Carcasses, who was one of the fourteen MPs jailed for bribery. The current prime minister, Vanua'aku Pati leader Bob Loughman, and most MPs in his government, are embroiled in a Supreme Court trial for missing three seatings of the legislature, which could determine whether they lose their parliamentary seats. Loughman and eighteen other MPs had their parliamentary seats declared vacant in June by the former Speaker of Parliament, Gracia Shadrak, after they had boycotted three sitting days.

Vanuata PM Bob Loughman accuses Indonesia of ignoring human rights violations in West Papua. Indonesia says Vanuata should follow UN protocol of abstaining from interfering with another country’s internal affairs.

Former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai is set to stand trial from November 23, charged with bribery and corruption.

Opposition leader Ralph Regenvanu says he is taking the decision to suspend his party from parliament to the Supreme Court.

Bob Loughman, a member of Vanua'aku Pati, is elected prime minister defeating Ralph Regenvanu of the Graon mo Jastis Pati, which won the most seats in parliament. Loughman’s immediate challenge is the devastation caused by Cyclone Harold.

Tropical Cyclone Harold hits.

Government puts the island of Aneityum under stay-at-home rules after a cruise ship with a passenger with COVID-19 docks there.

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai at the UN calls for action on West Papua. Indonesia says there is no need for international action.

Vanuatu, Antigua, Barbuda, and Tonga are designated most at risk to climate change effects in the 2019 World Risk Report published Thursday by the Institute of International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict.

Tonga Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva holding talks with other Pacific island nations about approaching China to forgive debt amid mounting fears that China may start seizing assets. He point to China’s taking possession of a port in Sri Lanka and negotiating to build a military vase in Vanuatu. Both China and Vanuatu have denied the latter. Vanuatu has a $115 million debt with China.