Vanuatu president dissolves Pacific nation's parliament

Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu addresses the 77th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The president of Vanuatu, Nikenike Vurobaravu, signed an order to dissolve the Pacific island nation's parliament on Monday, Vanuatu broadcaster VBTC reported.

Vurobaravu and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai had been expected to face separate votes of no confidence in the parliament, after motions were lodged by the political opposition.

Vanuatu has experienced a period of political instability over 18 months, with three prime ministers in that time.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Toby Chopra)