The World - News from Dec. 19, 1988
Security forces loyal to Vanuatu’s ousted leader reportedly arrested the new prime minister shortly after his inauguration. Barak Sope, who was sworn in by President George Ati Sokomanu, and at least six supporters were taken into custody by security forces, a government official said. Sokomanu had dissolved the South Pacific island nation’s Parliament and dismissed Prime Minister Walter Lini on Friday after elections that gave Lini’s ruling party control of the 46-seat Parliament. The opposition boycotted the vote, and Sokomanu said the Parliament was unconstitutional. Sope and Lini--who took office in 1980 when Vanuatu, formerly the New Hebrides, gained independence--have been locked in a power struggle for the past year.
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