Vanuatu: public frustrated over political situation as after-shocks continue

Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

Frustration is growing in Vanuatu over the snap election, with claims the government has put politics before people.

Radio New Zealand reports that 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.

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 held on 16 January was called in November and held despite a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that devastated the capital on 17 December.

Voter apathy had been notable, with less than half of constituents turning up to vote.

RNZ 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.”

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.