General elections were held in Vanuatu on 19–20 March 2020.General Election Date Set for March 19 Daily Post, 29 October 2019 The elections were initially intended to be held on 19 March, but logistical problems resulted in some areas voting the following day.
Electoral system 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.Republic of Vanuatu: Election for Ni-Vanuatu Parliament IFES
Campaign The Vanua'aku Pati launched its campaign slogan 'Lets Rebuild Vanuatu' in June 2019 and endorsed the continuation of its Kambak ("come back") policy.Vanuatu's largest political party endorses candidates for 2020 election Daily Post, 11 June 2019
In October 2019, a 'Vot Woman' campaign was launched, supporting all female candidates and calling for guaranteed 50% representation for women in parliament.Historic ‘Vot Woman’ Campaign Launched Daily Post, 8 October 2019 No women were elected in the 2012 or 2016 elections. There were around 15 female candidates, but none were elected. The youngest woman candidate in 2020 was Litiana Kalsrap.
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.
Results 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%.Coronavirus fears and controversial passport sales: Vanuatu's election explained by Tess Newton Cain, The Guardian, 17 Mar 2020
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. No women were elected. 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.
By constituency
Aftermath 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. 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.Vanuatu's new PM appoints his new Cabinet Radio New Zealand, 21 April 2020
PortfolioMemberPartyPrime MinisterBob LoughmanVanua'aku PatiDeputy Prime MinisterMinister for Internal AffairsIshmael KalsakauUnion of Moderate PartiesMinister for Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and BiosecurityKalo WillieUnion of Moderate PartiesMinister of Climate ChangeBruno LengkonNational United PartyMinister of Education and TrainingSeule SimeonReunification Movement for ChangeMinister of Finance and Economic ManagementJohnny KoanapoVanua'aku PatiMinister of Foreign Affairs and External TradeMark AtiIauko GroupMinister of HealthSilas BuleNational United PartyMinister of Infrastructure and Public UtilitiesJay NgweleRural Development PartyMinister of Justice and Community ServicesEsmon SimonVanua'aku PatiMinister of Land and Natural ResourcesNorris KalmetReunification Movement for ChangeMinistry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu BusinessJames BulePeople's Unity Development PartyMinister of Youth Development and TrainingWillie SaetearotoGreen Confederation
Subsequent by-elections 2021 Pentecost by-election 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. The election was held on 8 October 2021. It was won by Sumptoh Blaise Tabisurin of the Rural Development Party.
See also List of members of the Parliament of Vanuatu (2020–2022)
References