by Martin Haffner Associate Editor
Frustration is growing in Vanuatu over the snap election, with claims the government has put politics before people.
Ballot boxes are still arriving in Port Vila and official counting is unlikely to begin until the weekend.
The talk in Vanuatu is that former deputy prime minister Jotham Napat will win the top job after the snap election.
However unofficial tallies and social media suggest that Napat, head of the Leaders Party, has secured up to eleven MPs, putting him in prime position to try and form a coalition government.
The snap election on 16 January was called in November and held despite a 7.3 magniturde earthquake that devastated the capital 17 December.
Voter apathy had been notable, with less than half of constituents turning up to vote.
Only authorised personnel are allowed in the “Red Zone” that covers all of downtown Port Vila. 15 January 2024Only authorised personnel are allowed in the “Red Zone” that covers all of downtown Port Vila. 15 January 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins
Our correspondent, Moses Willie said; “The mood in Vanuatu is one of frustration, the community believes the government put politics before people.”
“We have a community that’s been forced to move from their homes and lost their jobs and we are asking a lot from them to come to the election,” he said.
“We are still experiencing daily after-shocks. The CBD is in lockdown, there’s a lot of unemployment and some businesses have been forced to close down.”
Willie spoke to Margot Staunton about how the elections are shaping up.
Moses Willie speaking to Margot Staunton
Dateline Extras
22 January 2025
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Willie said unofficial counting at polling stations indicates the majority of the 52 incumbent MPs have been relected and there are two new MPs who have won seats in Port Vila.
Vanuatu’s only incumbent female MP lost her seat leaving only one female candidate in contention, Marie Louis Milne.
The demolition of two key buildings in the CBD is due to start soon.
