2020 Vanuatuan general election

General elections were held in Vanuatu on 19–20 March 2020.[1] The elections were initially intended to be held on 19 March, but logistical problems resulted in some areas voting the following day.[2]

2020 Vanuatuan general election
Vanuatu
← 2016 19–20 March 2020 2022 →

All 52 seats in Parliament
27 seats needed for a majority
Party Leader % Seats +/–
Leaders Party Jothan Napat 12.49 5 +4
Vanua'aku Pati Bob Loughman 12.12 7 +1
RMC Charlot Salwai 11.32 7 +4
Land & Justice Ralph Regenvanu 10.00 9 +2
UMP Ishmael Kalsakau 7.67 5 −1
National United Ham Lin̄i 4.17 4 0
Green Confederation Moana Carcasses Kalosil 2.52 1 −1
Rural Development Jay Ngwele 2.50 2 New
Liberal Movement Gaetan Pikioune 2.19 1 New
Nagriamel Keasipai Song [fr] 2.07 1 −2
Iauko Group Harry Iauko 1.98 2 −2
People's Progressive Sato Kilman 1.85 1 0
Vanuatu First Russel Nari 1.47 1 New
National Development Christophe Emelee 1.46 1 0
PUDP 1.30 1 New
Cultural Self-reliance Samson Samsen 1.14 1 New
Vemarana 1.05 1 +1
NCM 0.90 1 New
Progressive Development 0.57 1 +1
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
Prime Minister before Prime Minister after
Charlot Salwai
RMC
Bob Loughman
Vanua'aku Pati

Electoral system edit

The 52 members of Parliament were elected from eight single-member constituencies and ten multi-member constituencies (of between two and seven seats) by first-past-the-post and single non-transferable vote, respectively.[3]

Campaign edit

The Vanua'aku Pati launched its campaign slogan 'Lets Rebuild Vanuatu' in June 2019 and endorsed the continuation of its Kambak ("come back") policy.[4]

In October 2019, a 'Vot Woman' campaign was launched, supporting all female candidates and calling for guaranteed 50% representation for women in parliament.[5] No women were elected in the 2012 or 2016 elections. There were around 15 female candidates,[6] but none were elected. The youngest woman candidate in 2020 was Litiana Kalsrap.[7]

An important issue was the future of the lucrative but controversial citizenship by investment, or “passport sales” programs. For a price of about US $150,000, these schemes allow applicants to become citizens in months, without setting foot in the country.[8]

Results edit

Although there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the islands, there were concerns that fears of the pandemic could keep turnout low. Turnout at the previous election was about 57%.[8]

Unofficial results were gradually released over the following days, with official results being announced later than usual, on 6 April, due to the death of the Chairman of the Vanuatu Electoral Commission, Martin Tete.[9] No women were elected.[10] Nineteen parties won one or more seats, with the Land and Justice Party becoming the largest with nine of the 52 seats. Turnout was down six percentage points from the prior elections in 2016.

 
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Leaders Party of Vanuatu17,99212.495+4
Vanua'aku Pati17,46012.127+1
Reunification Movement for Change16,29811.327+4
Land and Justice Party14,40010.009+2
Union of Moderate Parties11,0437.675–1
National United Party6,0104.1740
Green Confederation3,6232.521–1
Rural Development Party3,6002.502New
Vanuatu Liberal Movement3,1472.191New
Nagriamel2,9802.071–2
Vanuatu Labour Party2,8661.990–1
Iauko Group2,8471.982–2
People's Progressive Party2,6641.8510
Vanuatu First Party2,1121.471New
Vanuatu National Development Party2,1021.461–1
People Unity Development Party1,8701.301New
Vanuatu Cultural Self-reliance Movement1,6371.141New
Vemarana1,5061.051+1
Ngwasoanda Custom Movement1,3000.901New
Oceania Transformation Movement1,2520.870New
The People's Party1,2320.860New
Vanuatu Community Movement1,0280.710New
Friend Melanesian Party9960.690–1
Kia Koe Party9580.670New
New Nation Party9010.630New
Vanuatu Progressive Development Party8250.571+1
Upi Nafzan Iskei7290.510New
People's Services Party7000.490–1
Vanuatu People's Alliance for Change6020.420New
Natatok Indigenous People's Democratic Party5930.4100
Vanuatu Progressive Republican Farmer Party5120.3600
People's Democratic Party5050.350New
National Party4480.3100
Imaim4420.310New
UCVP Party4360.300New
Angai Tagaro3860.270New
Melanesian Progressive Party3270.2300
United Movements for Vanuatu People3150.220New
Vanuatu Presidential Party2940.200–1
Nodaru Masan Party1040.070New
Shepherds Alliance Party800.0600
People's Action Party770.0500
Namaki Ahute Kastom Movement710.050New
People, Churches, Chiefs Party700.050New
Vanuatu Liberal Party540.040New
Movement for Righteousness, Justice and Peace370.030New
Vanuatu Peoples for Change Party190.010New
Vanuatu Reform Democratic Party70.0000
Independents14,54610.100–8
Total144,003100.00520
Valid votes144,00399.27
Invalid/blank votes1,0610.73
Total votes145,064100.00
Registered voters/turnout278,95452.00
Source: Vanuatu Electoral Office, Election Report

By constituency edit

Ambae
CandidatePartyVotes%
James BulePeople Unity Development Party59714.93
John Still Tari QetuNational United Party58214.56
Jay NgweleRural Development Party55113.78
Alban Vui GaraeLeaders Party of Vanuatu3959.88
Alickson ViraAngai Tagaro3869.65
Samson ToaLeaders Party of Vanuatu3218.03
James Tari BangalakuaLand and Justice Party2616.53
Jacob MataNagriamel1974.93
Richard MeraVanua'aku Pati1624.05
Peter VutaIndependent1483.70
Jameson Bani GweroPeople's Action Party561.40
Joseph Mauri Joe GaraegesaUnion of Moderate Parties541.35
George TambeVanua'aku Pati511.28
Steven GaraesaniIndependent501.25
Viratiro Remy EugeneReunification Movement for Change491.23
Philimon TariLand and Justice Party441.10
Joel Hubert DuvuVanuatu First Party390.98
Hannah LiunakwalauLeaders Party of Vanuatu360.90
Robert Jay Hakwa NatugogonaIndependent120.30
Ronly AlaIndependent70.18
Willie KaloVanuatu First Party00.00
Total3,998100.00
Valid votes3,99899.21
Invalid/blank votes320.79
Total votes4,030100.00
Registered voters/turnout9,96940.43
Ambrym
CandidatePartyVotes%
John SalongLand and Justice Party1,17227.77
Bruno LeingkoneNational United Party97123.01
Albert Abel WilliamsVanua'aku Pati74617.68
Alilee MarokonReunification Movement for Change51812.27
Jimmy AndengGreen Confederation3398.03
Jimmy JapethNagriamel2185.17
Eddie Percy EtulLeaders Party of Vanuatu1784.22
Arthur Peter BaeUnion of Moderate Parties521.23
Hopa David Tungon TiareIndependent190.45
Naros Williamson ObedVanuatu Reform Democratic Party70.17
Total4,220100.00
Valid votes4,22099.04
Invalid/blank votes410.96
Total votes4,261100.00
Registered voters/turnout7,02760.64
Banks
CandidatePartyVotes%
Danny SilasLand and Justice Party1,09132.77
Jack WonaVanuatu National Development Party1,09032.74
Shadrack WelegtabitLeaders Party of Vanuatu45013.52
Dunstan HiltonPeople's Progressive Party35610.69
Harry Benjamin VanvaVanuatu Labour Party1474.42
Talo Batholomew WeulOceania Transformation Movement1023.06
Wetas VictorKia Koe Party932.79
Total3,329100.00
Valid votes3,32999.20
Invalid/blank votes270.80
Total votes3,356100.00
Registered voters/turnout5,09565.87
Efate
CandidatePartyVotes%
Jack Norris KalmetReunification Movement for Change2,30111.10
Pakoa KaltongaLeaders Party of Vanuatu1,8548.95
Gillion WilliamLand and Justice Party1,8008.68
Anatole HymakVanuatu First Party1,3406.47
John Mark RubenVanua'aku Pati1,1605.60
Lionel Nasome KaluatThe People's Party1,0435.03
Edwin KalorisuLeaders Party of Vanuatu1,0174.91
Michel TaravakiVanuatu Liberal Movement9884.77
Eddy KalokulLeaders Party of Vanuatu9484.57
Roro SamboNew Nation Party9014.35
Joshua KalsakauVanuatu Labour Party8344.02
Ghislain KaltackUpi Nafzan Iskei7293.52
Takalo TavimasoeVanua'aku Pati7063.41
John IasuGreen Confederation6843.30
Alfred Rollan CarlotNatatok5932.86
Stanley Kaltoi JohnVanua'aku Pati5892.84
Philip FanneUnion of Moderate Parties5112.47
Rolland PierreVanuatu Labour Party5072.45
Graham NalpiniIndependent3971.92
Jean Pierre SerelIndependent3691.78
Seretangi KalsakauReunification Movement for Change3611.74
Johnston TauIndependent2481.20
Teni KalmetUnited Movements for Vanuatu People2281.10
Ephraim KalmetPeople's Democratic Party1440.69
Henry KaltangIndependent1130.55
Pierre CarlotMelanesian Progressive Party900.43
Litiana KalsrapShepherds Alliance Party790.38
Jack PakoaOceania Transformation Movement750.36
Alice Annies AthyIndependent700.34
Hendon KalsakauOceania Transformation Movement470.23
Total20,726100.00
Valid votes20,72699.41
Invalid/blank votes1240.59
Total votes20,850100.00
Registered voters/turnout44,38546.98
Epi
CandidatePartyVotes%
John Roy NielVanuatu Progressive Development Party82520.89
Seule SimeonReunification Movement for Change78219.80
Marcel YonaLand and Justice Party64216.25
Issaac Daniel TongoliluVanua'aku Pati40510.25
Billy Peter IoanUnion of Moderate Parties3829.67
Mackin Rita ValiaLeaders Party of Vanuatu3508.86
Sammy Brown NiumataiwaluIndependent2255.70
Erick MosesIauko Group1694.28
Samuel AbelRural Development Party1213.06
Kalo John MawaVanuatu Labour Party350.89
Yonah KalstapOceania Transformation Movement110.28
Katrina Ulanim Keren WilliamIndependent30.08
Total3,950100.00
Valid votes3,95099.37
Invalid/blank votes250.63
Total votes3,975100.00
Registered voters/turnout5,66670.16
Luganville
CandidatePartyVotes%
Seremiah Matai NawaluLeaders Party of Vanuatu1,16418.36
Marc AtiIauko Group87113.74
Donald RestutuneReunification Movement for Change84413.31
Varidiu Jimmy SolomonNational United Party70111.06
Daniel Kalo ToaraVanua'aku Pati5338.41
Rex IssacharIndependent3876.11
Pedro Boe TangaVanuatu Cultural Self-reliance Movement3655.76
Basil LeodoroVanuatu Labour Party3195.03
Bruno Milliecon TalibanLand and Justice Party2864.51
George WellsVanuatu Liberal Movement2584.07
Donald HoseaGreen Confederation2343.69
Harry BrownhillIndependent1672.63
Jean TabibangNodaru Masan Party811.28
James NwangoNagriamel671.06
Nelly CalebIndependent470.74
Gordon John ArnambhatOceania Transformation Movement150.24
Total6,339100.00
Valid votes6,33999.34
Invalid/blank votes420.66
Total votes6,381100.00
Registered voters/turnout16,52338.62
Maewo
CandidatePartyVotes%
Ian WilsonNgwasoanda Custom Movement1,30064.20
Reynolds Boeleguriega BoesonIndependent47323.36
Elison RevealaVanua'aku Pati22511.11
Paul Allen BoeKia Koe Party271.33
Total2,025100.00
Valid votes2,02596.34
Invalid/blank votes773.66
Total votes2,102100.00
Registered voters/turnout3,06468.60
Malekula
CandidatePartyVotes%
Marcellino BarthelemyReunification Movement for Change1,2047.46
Esmon SaimonVanua'aku Pati1,0056.23
Gracia ShadrackLeaders Party of Vanuatu9976.18
Sanick AsangNational United Party9896.13
Edmond JulunLand and Justice Party9465.86
Sala JohnLand and Justice Party8785.44
Francois BatickReunification Movement for Change8355.17
Sato KilmanPeople's Progressive Party7844.86
Don Ken StephenPeople's Services Party7004.34
Wilford PatunvanuIndependent6604.09
Samuel Jack MenziesLeaders Party of Vanuatu6043.74
Kaltalio SimeonVanua'aku Pati5683.52
Diana MeltekVanua'aku Pati5663.51
John Edwin TerryGreen Confederation5273.26
Niptic Andrew Willie KalIndependent5143.18
Peter ManwoUnion of Moderate Parties4913.04
Jerome LudvauneReunification Movement for Change4472.77
Malcekan JeannoUCVP Party4362.70
Paul Robert RavunIndependent3061.90
Stephen ShingIndependent2961.83
Max Kelly AlbertLeaders Party of Vanuatu2601.61
Jack RoyPeople's Progressive Party2601.61
David GibsonPeople Unity Development Party2541.57
Anicet Faustin MalebUnion of Moderate Parties2511.56
Ata TonyVanua'aku Pati2141.33
Sewere Jean PhilipVanuatu Labour Party1771.10
Patunvanu JenekNagriamel1751.08
Peter OnisUnion of Moderate Parties1600.99
Roger VeremaitoIndependent1590.99
Daniel NaletOceania Transformation Movement990.61
Johnny ArnhambatIndependent910.56
Raul NemtenmatNamaki Ahute Kastom Movement710.44
Kisito TeilembPeople, Churches, Chiefs Party700.43
Jules NirambathKia Koe Party510.32
Willy Apia MassingIndependent290.18
Anselmo TevanuIndependent240.15
Julian Nethie ShadrackOceania Transformation Movement220.14
Williams AisenIndependent210.13
Marcelino Gulgul AbongVanuatu Cultural Self-reliance Movement00.00
Total16,141100.00
Valid votes16,14199.62
Invalid/blank votes610.38
Total votes16,202100.00
Registered voters/turnout25,22864.22
Malo–Aore
CandidatePartyVotes%
Rasu WesleyVanua'aku Pati1,33448.88
Uri WarawaraLand and Justice Party1,28847.20
Kalfau MoliUnion of Moderate Parties1073.92
Solomon VerogioKia Koe Party00.00
Total2,729100.00
Valid votes2,72999.49
Invalid/blank votes140.51
Total votes2,743100.00
Registered voters/turnout4,64559.05
Paama
CandidatePartyVotes%
Andy Job SamLeaders Party of Vanuatu28934.12
Jesse Joe DickVanua'aku Pati21625.50
Fred William TassoVanuatu Labour Party18421.72
Glen TakauUnion of Moderate Parties738.62
Philip Tom WaiwaiVanuatu Liberal Movement435.08
Mahit Tout John AvockReunification Movement for Change333.90
Demis Lango Stanely FoifoKia Koe Party91.06
Total847100.00
Valid votes84799.30
Invalid/blank votes60.70
Total votes853100.00
Registered voters/turnout1,53355.64
Pentecost
CandidatePartyVotes%
Charlot SalwaiReunification Movement for Change1,07010.90
Marc MelsulRural Development Party1,04310.63
Silas BuleNational United Party99010.09
Boe Reve EphraimLand and Justice Party7577.71
Francois Xavier ChaniLeaders Party of Vanuatu7387.52
Ham LiniNational United Party7207.33
George Baddeley BogiriIndependent7127.25
Richard Walsh LeonaVanua'aku Pati6816.94
Saltukro Jean BaptistIndependent6456.57
Barnabas TabirupmelOceania Transformation Movement4894.98
Jean Paul Virelala BulewakVanuatu First Party4594.68
Donald WapackReunification Movement for Change4224.30
Obed TabimwelPeople Unity Development Party2802.85
Salathiel TaribasLand and Justice Party2022.06
John Tevi SelwynRural Development Party1801.83
Enoch Bule KendrithKia Koe Party1491.52
Norbet SumsumOceania Transformation Movement1221.24
Gideon TabiusIndependent600.61
Wreath BuleVanuatu Labour Party320.33
Kenedy John TabiagaKia Koe Party280.29
McDonald BuleNational Party200.20
Molbah RollandOceania Transformation Movement170.17
Total9,816100.00
Valid votes9,81698.63
Invalid/blank votes1361.37
Total votes9,952100.00
Registered voters/turnout16,54460.15
Port Vila
CandidatePartyVotes%
Ralph RegenvanuLand and Justice Party1,9879.74
Ulrich SumptohReunification Movement for Change1,8198.92
Ishmael KalsakauUnion of Moderate Parties1,5817.75
Harry AnthonyUnion of Moderate Parties1,4667.19
Kenneth NatapeiVanua'aku Pati1,2556.15
Stephen Dorrick FelixLeaders Party of Vanuatu1,1595.68
Robert Bohn SikolGreen Confederation1,0895.34
Jean Pierre NiruaReunification Movement for Change9914.86
Joseph Matou SowanyIndependent8894.36
Nadia KanegaiIndependent8584.21
Donald PalaudUnion of Moderate Parties6883.37
Reginal GaroleoNational United Party6333.10
Ligo Joe WilsonLeaders Party of Vanuatu5912.90
Ephraim KalsakauVanuatu Labour Party5842.86
George Jonathan Mael TokaIndependent5722.80
Donald ShadrackNational Party4282.10
Kalopo Seule KaloIndependent4112.01
Nigel QuaiIndependent3951.94
David ManlauVanuatu People's Alliance for Change3731.83
Joel LangloisPeople's Democratic Party3611.77
Levi TarosaIndependent3241.59
Thomson PakoaPeople Unity Development Party3171.55
Himford Luo WendyUnion of Moderate Parties2261.11
Daniel Philips ObedThe People's Party1890.93
Barak SopéMelanesian Progressive Party1810.89
Derek AlexanderIndependent1790.88
Anne Leimala Pakoa TauIndependent1580.77
George BoruguIndependent1360.67
Terry KapahPeople's Progressive Party1230.60
Jerry Moli TamataNagriamel710.35
Graham TabirapOceania Transformation Movement680.33
Christopher Joseph KernotKia Koe Party650.32
David TosulMelanesian Progressive Party560.27
Obed Robert DiniroVanuatu Liberal Party540.26
Markson Max NibtikIndependent440.22
Daniel MolisaMovement for Righteousness, Justice and Peace370.18
Marie Joseph KalkoaIndependent290.14
Manina Juanita PacketeOceania Transformation Movement120.06
Total20,399100.00
Valid votes20,39999.41
Invalid/blank votes1220.59
Total votes20,521100.00
Registered voters/turnout51,83139.59
Santo
CandidatePartyVotes%
Mahe Rick TchamakoReunification Movement for Change2,90012.25
Gaetan PikinouneVanuatu Liberal Movement1,8587.85
Alfred MaohLand and Justice Party1,5726.64
Stevens Nano FabianoVemarana1,5066.36
Samson SamsenVanuatu Cultural Self-reliance Movement1,2725.37
Leonard Joshua PikiouneNagriamel1,2045.09
Sakaes LuluPeople's Progressive Party1,1414.82
Bani JocobLeaders Party of Vanuatu1,1314.78
John LumNagriamel1,0484.43
Livo MeleVanuatu Community Movement1,0284.34
Amblus Edwin MacrevethFriend Melanesian Party9964.21
Warsal Ronald KalmaseiVanua'aku Pati8823.73
Ravu BretenUnion of Moderate Parties7373.11
Leon Katty WarsalUnion of Moderate Parties7103.00
Teviri Bule Cap TabimelReunification Movement for Change6622.80
Charley Jean VincentIndependent5982.53
Ravou Akii Kolomoule JeanVanuatu Progressive Republican Farmer Party5122.16
Vutilolo IoanLeaders Party of Vanuatu4832.04
Nevu Hosea Avock RothuiUnion of Moderate Parties4621.95
Collin TaviIndependent4361.84
Langrere Manuel GaraeNational United Party4241.79
Warlan IavroPeople Unity Development Party4221.78
Jullian VarisipitiVanua'aku Pati3181.34
Arutape Johnathan LavoVanuatu Presidential Party2941.24
Rocroc SilasVanuatu First Party2741.16
Seni Mao TarvakavatIndependent2050.87
Moses MoliIndependent1520.64
Thomas Adnrina Klt PrasadOceania Transformation Movement1130.48
John Wesley NevGreen Confederation830.35
Judah SibaIndependent620.26
Toa Voke StevenKia Koe Party610.26
Marae ClarenceOceania Transformation Movement570.24
Timothy Ian PuneIndependent300.13
Kouai John WesleyNodaru Masan Party230.10
James Samuel TurketPeople's Action Party210.09
Total23,677100.00
Valid votes23,67799.56
Invalid/blank votes1050.44
Total votes23,782100.00
Registered voters/turnout40,67458.47
Shepherds
CandidatePartyVotes%
Willie Pakoa SatearotoGreen Confederation34439.31
John William Mata'ariki TimakataVanua'aku Pati29934.17
Baptiste FiriamLeaders Party of Vanuatu23226.51
Total875100.00
Valid votes87598.98
Invalid/blank votes91.02
Total votes884100.00
Registered voters/turnout1,44161.35
Southern Islands
CandidatePartyVotes%
Edward Nalyal MolouVanua'aku Pati92939.79
Tomker NetvuneiReunification Movement for Change80534.48
Ben LeeshiLeaders Party of Vanuatu56924.37
Simon Lovo UmahUnion of Moderate Parties190.81
Ruth Diana DelarueKia Koe Party130.56
Total2,335100.00
Valid votes2,33598.52
Invalid/blank votes351.48
Total votes2,370100.00
Registered voters/turnout4,10557.73
Tanna
CandidatePartyVotes%
Jothan NapatLeaders Party of Vanuatu1,8419.50
Emanuel Xavier HarryIauko Group1,8079.32
Robin KapapaUnion of Moderate Parties1,5848.17
Andrew Solomon NapuatLand and Justice Party1,4747.60
Johnny KoanapoVanua'aku Pati1,4317.38
Bob LoughmanVanua'aku Pati1,3216.81
Nako Ianatom NatumanUnion of Moderate Parties1,1756.06
Nipo Jimmy NanumanLeaders Party of Vanuatu1,1355.86
James NoumetaIndependent9684.99
Niatu JerryVanua'aku Pati9574.94
John Less NapuatiRural Development Party8234.25
Noam TomRural Development Party7413.82
Johnson Youse SimilVanua'aku Pati5052.61
Andrew Nampat KausiamaIndependent4672.41
Kapum IssoKia Koe Party4622.38
Iapson George KurasImaim4382.26
Johnny Lavah NauamIndependent4292.21
John Am MiliakiIndependent3892.01
George RonaldVanua'aku Pati3101.60
Faniku Mary KaviamuIndependent2991.54
Kuahi Tom IapseiGreen Confederation2641.36
John Enock TafikuVanuatu People's Alliance for Change2291.18
Tom Gregoire IonumReunification Movement for Change1480.76
William NasakIndependent910.47
Jaques Meriago NaukaIndependent540.28
Joe Harry KaruVanuatu Labour Party360.19
Luke Lotrick IawilickImaim40.02
Richard NamelOceania Transformation Movement30.02
Total19,385100.00
Valid votes19,38599.15
Invalid/blank votes1660.85
Total votes19,551100.00
Registered voters/turnout35,85754.52
Tongoa
CandidatePartyVotes%
Kalo WillieUnion of Moderate Parties31426.45
Jack PaulLeaders Party of Vanuatu27723.34
Fred Lui Masoerangi BerryRural Development Party14111.88
Charley RobertReunification Movement for Change1079.01
Albert Willie KarlosaruruVanua'aku Pati927.75
Noel Bong WillieUnited Movements for Vanuatu People877.33
John Fiji BenIndependent655.48
Sandy LolosIndependent544.55
Rory RichardGreen Confederation494.13
Alice KaloranShepherds Alliance Party10.08
Total1,187100.00
Valid votes1,18799.50
Invalid/blank votes60.50
Total votes1,193100.00
Registered voters/turnout2,40149.69
Torres
CandidatePartyVotes%
Christophe EmeleeVanuatu National Development Party1,01249.98
Morris Manmelin SogovmanLeaders Party of Vanuatu97348.05
Henry Nelson NinVanuatu Peoples for Change Party190.94
Clifton Ray LonsdaleVanuatu Labour Party110.54
Basil HopkinGreen Confederation100.49
Total2,025100.00
Valid votes2,02598.40
Invalid/blank votes331.60
Total votes2,058100.00
Registered voters/turnout2,96669.39

Aftermath edit

Due to the delay in announcing the official results, Parliament was unable to meet for its first sitting within the normal period of 21 days after the election, and instead met for the first time on 20 April.[9] During the first meeting, Gracia Shadrack of the Leaders Party of Vanuatu was elected Speaker. Bob Loughman of the Vanua'aku Pati was elected Prime Minister, defeating former foreign minister Ralph Regenvanu of the Land and Justice Party by 31 votes to 21. Loughman's coalition government included the Vanua'aku Pati, the Union of Moderate Parties, the National United Party and other minor parties. The next day Loughman appointed the members of his government.[11]

Portfolio Member Party
Prime Minister Bob Loughman Vanua'aku Pati
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Internal Affairs
Ishmael Kalsakau Union of Moderate Parties
Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity Kalo Willie Union of Moderate Parties
Minister of Climate Change Bruno Lengkon National United Party
Minister of Education and Training Seule Simeon Reunification Movement for Change
Minister of Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo Vanua'aku Pati
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Mark Ati Iauko Group
Minister of Health Silas Bule National United Party
Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities Jay Ngwele Rural Development Party
Minister of Justice and Community Services Esmon Simon Vanua'aku Pati
Minister of Land and Natural Resources Norris Kalmet Reunification Movement for Change
Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business James Bule People Unity Development Party
Minister of Youth Development and Training Willie Saetearoto Green Confederation

Subsequent by-elections edit

2021 Pentecost by-election edit

Caused by the conviction of incumbent Charlot Salwai for perjury. He was pardoned by President Tallis Obed Moses, allowing him to run for the seat.[12] The election was held on 8 October 2021.[13] It was won by Sumptoh Blaise Tabisurin of the Rural Development Party.

CandidatePartyVotes%
Sumptoh Blaise TabisurinRural Development Party2,75631.75
Charlot SalwaiReunification Movement for Change2,47328.49
George Baddeley BongiriIndependent88510.19
Joseph TabirapNational United Party7488.62
Saltukro Jean Batist SakaIndependent6197.13
Ham Lini VanuaroroaIndependent5316.12
Francois Xavier ChaniIndependent4615.31
Sumsum NorbertUnity Movement for Vanuatu People1872.15
Jean Pascal SaltukroReunification Movement for Change210.24
Total8,681100.00
Valid votes8,68198.61
Invalid/blank votes1221.39
Total votes8,803100.00
Registered voters/turnout18,58747.36
Majority2833.26
Rural Development gain from RMC
Source: Vanuatu Electoral Office[14]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ General Election Date Set for March 19 Daily Post, 29 October 2019
  2. ^ "OVER 21,000 VOTERS YET TO VOTE". Vanuatu Daily Post. 20 March 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  3. ^ Republic of Vanuatu: Election for Ni-Vanuatu Parliament IFES
  4. ^ Vanuatu's largest political party endorses candidates for 2020 election Daily Post, 11 June 2019
  5. ^ Historic ‘Vot Woman’ Campaign Launched Daily Post, 8 October 2019
  6. ^ Cain, Tess Newton (17 March 2020). "Coronavirus fears and controversial passport sales: Vanuatu's election explained". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  7. ^ Mcdonald, Joshua. "Women in Vanuatu Vie for a Presence in Parliament". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  8. ^ a b Coronavirus fears and controversial passport sales: Vanuatu's election explained by Tess Newton Cain, The Guardian, 17 Mar 2020
  9. ^ a b Malapa, Terence (9 April 2020). "Parliament Summoned". Daily Post. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  10. ^ Malapa, Terence. "2020 GE Unofficial Results: 25 Former MPs Re-elected". Vanuatu Daily Post. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  11. ^ Vanuatu's new PM appoints his new Cabinet Radio New Zealand, 21 April 2020
  12. ^ "Nine candidates to contest Pentecost by-election". Loop Vanuatu. 22 September 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  13. ^ "2021 Pentecost Constituency Parliamentary By-election". Vanuatu Electoral Office. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  14. ^ THE DECLARATION OF RESULTS FOR CANDIDATES DULY ELECTED. Vanuatu Electoral Office (via Facebook).