Donald Kalpokas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Kalpokas
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| 2nd Prime Minister of Vanuatu | |
| In office 30 March 1998 – 25 November 1999 |
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| President | Jean-Marie Léyé Edward Natapei (Acting) John Bani |
| Preceded by | Serge Vohor |
| Succeeded by | Barak Sopé |
| In office 6 September 1991 – 16 December 1991 |
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| President | Frederick Karlomuana Timakata |
| Preceded by | Walter Lini |
| Succeeded by | Maxime Carlot Korman |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald Masike'Vanua Kalpokas
23 August 1943 Lelepa Island, New Hebrides |
| Died | 20 March 2019 (aged 75) Lelepa Island, Vanuatu |
| Political party | Vanua'aku Pati |
| Spouse | Charity Kalpokas |
Donald Masike'Vanua Kalpokas was an important leader from Vanuatu, a country in the Pacific Ocean. He was born on August 23, 1943, and passed away on March 20, 2019. Donald Kalpokas served as the Prime Minister of Vanuatu two times. He was also a diplomat, which means he represented his country to other nations.
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Who Was Donald Kalpokas?
Donald Kalpokas was born on Efate island in Vanuatu. He helped start a political group called the Vanua'aku Pati with another leader, Walter Lini. This group wanted Vanuatu to be an independent country. They also believed in ideas that helped everyone in society, like sharing resources fairly.
Early Political Roles
In 1983, Donald Kalpokas became the foreign minister of Vanuatu. This job means he was in charge of how Vanuatu worked with other countries. He held this role for a few months.
He became foreign minister again in 1987. This time, he stayed in the position for four years. This was an important time for Vanuatu's relationships with countries around the world.
Becoming Prime Minister
In 1991, Donald Kalpokas and other members of his party decided to no longer support the government leader, Walter Lini. They voted to remove him from power. After this, Kalpokas became the temporary Prime Minister.
He served as Prime Minister from September 6, 1991, until December 16, 1991. After new elections, a different political group took control of the government.
Second Term as Prime Minister
In March 1998, there were more elections. Donald Kalpokas's party, the Vanua'aku Pati, did very well. He formed a new government with Walter Lini's party.
On March 30, 1998, Donald Kalpokas became Prime Minister again. He also took on the role of foreign minister for a short time. However, his government faced challenges. He resigned in November 1999 to avoid a vote that would have removed him from office.
Later Life and Legacy
After leading the Vanua'aku Pati for almost ten years, Donald Kalpokas stepped down in 2001. He then served as the Speaker of the Parliament from May 2001 to May 2002. The Speaker is like the referee in the country's main law-making body.
In 2004, he was a candidate to become the President of Vanuatu. He received some votes but decided to withdraw from the race.
In November 2007, Donald Kalpokas was appointed as Vanuatu's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. This meant he represented Vanuatu at the United Nations, an organization where countries work together on global issues.
Donald Kalpokas passed away on March 20, 2019, at the age of 75. He is remembered as a key figure in Vanuatu's political history.
Images for kids
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Donald Kalpokas's official portrait
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From left to right: Chief Peter Poilapa of Imere, Donald Kalpokas, and Alexander Downer
