Over 180,000 registered voters are heading to the polls in Vanuatu today, just one month after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake devastated the capital, Port Vila, leaving 14 dead, 210 injured, and thousands displaced.
Principal Electoral Officer Guilain Malessas said his team worked tirelessly to ensure the election met constitutional deadlines. “This country – we own it, it’s ours. If we just sit and complain… but don’t contribute to making decisions, then we will never change,” Malessas urged voters.
However, some believe the election timing is insensitive. Jane Iatika, President of the Port Vila Council of Women, said many families are still grieving and struggling. “If they were thinking about the people, they would have [postponed] the election and dealt with the disaster first,” she said.
Deputy Police Commissioner Kalo Willie Ben confirmed over 360 officers have been deployed to secure the polls, while recovery efforts for the earthquake continue, with costs estimated at $230 million.
The election is seen as crucial for restoring stability after years of political turmoil, including four prime ministerial changes in as many years. Polling stations close at 4:30 p.m., with an unofficial count expected tonight and official results to follow.
The next government will face immediate challenges, including post-earthquake recovery and implementing constitutional reforms aimed at curbing political instability.