Harry Iauko

Who was Harry Iauko?

Harry Iauko was a ni-Vanuatu politician.

In 2005, he was appointed Secretary-General of the Vanua'aku Pati. He had been described as "the architect of the re-election of Natapei" to the party's leadership. The Contemporary Pacific alleged that Iauko had "made a number of promises to various people in return for votes".

In 2008, Vanuatu’s Ombudsman recommended that criminal charges be brought against him concerning the sale of public land at Fatumaru Bay. The Ombudsman stated that Iauko might have been bribed.

Following the 2008 general election, he is a Member of Parliament for Tanna, representing the Vanua'aku Pati.

In November 2008, Prime Minister Edward Natapei suspended him from the Vanua'aku Pati for signing a failed motion of no confidence against him. In June 2009, however, Iauko was appointed Minister for Lands in Natapei's Cabinet.

A few days after his appointment, he unsuccessfully demanded the resignation of Opposition MP Ralph Regenvanu, who had accused him of being "corrupt".

In May 2010, claiming that he had been elected president of the Vanua'aku Pati -a claim which Natapei contested-, he joined the opposition to Natapei's government, and was appointed deputy Opposition leader.