The Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr HamlisonBulu has called on all persons who are classified as Leaders according to Article 67 of the Constitution, section 5 of the Leadership Code Act [CAP.240], and other appointing authorities to file their annual returns in order to avoid legal action to be taken on non-filers of annual returns.

Ombudsman Bulu and his executive reminding PSC members about their obligation to file their annual returns during a Leadership Code Induction earlier this year.

Ombudsman Bulu made this call this week as it is noted that around 500 plus leaders have yet to submit their 2021 annual returns and the due date for all to submit their returns is the 1stof March 2022.

Last year, the Ombudsman Office commenced the prosecution of some leaders who did not submit their returns. Seven of those Leaders pleaded guilty for not submitting their 2020 annual returns, 4 pleaded not guilty and their trial will commence on the 23rd of March 2022.

It is also important that Leaders file true information when submitting their returns as filing false information is a breach of section 33 of the Leadership Code Act. Today is the due date for all Leaders to file their returns, a warning will be issued to Leaders who have not filed their returns by today and the Ombudsman will commence legal proceedings against non-filers after the 14th of March 2022.