Amid the rubble and devastation left by last month’s catastrophic 7.3-magnitude earthquake, the people of Vanuatu are displaying remarkable resilience as they head to the polls in a snap election. Despite thousands being displaced and at least 14 lives lost, a sense of hope and determination permeates the makeshift polling stations where residents line up to cast their ballots.
For many, this election represents an opportunity to install a government that can lead the nation through the arduous process of rebuilding. “I’m looking for someone who has heart, we are facing a disaster, we need someone with integrity and who is going to be stable,” said Jeffrey Namu, a 24-year-old student waiting patiently to vote in a tent in downtown Port Vila.
The logistical challenges of holding an election in the quake’s aftermath are immense. More than 350 police officers have joined forces with election officials to ensure a smooth and secure voting process, even as crime rates and instances of gender-based violence have risen in the wake of the disaster. Principal electoral officer Guilain Malessas acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “It was a challenge for us, it’s very difficult and we don’t want to deprive anyone of the right to vote.”
Youth Seek Stability and Climate Action
Among Vanuatu’s youth, there is a palpable desire for a government that can provide stability and tackle the existential threat of climate change. Laetitia Metsan, a 21-year-old environmental protection student, emphasized the urgency: “Vanuatu is more at risk from climate change and we need the government to be stable so that when disaster comes, we can address it. For a lot of young people, we are sick of it.”
The nation’s tumultuous political history, characterized by frequent no-confidence motions and cabinet reshuffles, has left many yearning for continuity and progress. In June 2024, a referendum aimed at improving political stability was held, but just six months later, the president dissolved parliament following yet another no-confidence motion against the prime minister.
“We felt blindsided. They don’t have time to get on with the business of running a country, and people are looking towards a government that can solve our economic and social issues.”
– Anna Naupa, Vanuatu politics expert
A Cry for Help and Representation
In the aftermath of the earthquake, many citizens felt abandoned by their government. Marie Louise Milne, one of only seven female candidates in the election, resigned from her position as Port Vila deputy mayor to run for parliament after being inundated with pleas for help from constituents.
“The dissolution happened and then the earthquake came and then people were coming to me and saying – where is the recovery? No one came to ask if people were OK, what they needed, water supply, food.”
– Marie Louise Milne, candidate for parliament
Milne’s platform focuses on improving women’s health services, including cancer screenings, maternity care, and preventing violence against women. “Women need to be heard,” she asserted, highlighting the importance of female representation in the nation’s decision-making processes.
Voting Driven by Need, Not Ideology
In a nation where many islands lack basic infrastructure like roads, healthcare, and schools, voting often revolves around immediate needs rather than political ideologies. Some follow the guidance of their village chiefs, while others cast their ballots for candidates who promise to improve their community’s circumstances.
“When I voted last time, I didn’t see the help coming.”
– Noella Velvel, voter from Ambrym island
Velvel, who traveled from her home island to vote, hopes for solar street lights, better housing, and increased prices for copra, a coconut byproduct that is a vital source of income for her family’s plantation.
Overcoming Disillusionment and Seeking Change
Despite the vibrant campaigning that lasted into the night before the election, with convoys of flag-waving supporters dancing through the streets, there are concerns about low voter turnout. In the previous election, participation dropped below 50%, and the combination of the earthquake’s impact and a new ballot system has raised fears of further disengagement.
“People are saying we turned up to vote in the last snap election and nothing happened.”
– Dr. Willie Tokon, Transparency International Vanuatu CEO
However, some believe that the current crises could serve as a catalyst for change. Terence Malapa, a political reporter for the Vanuatu Daily Post, observed, “People are disillusioned with the process, and they want change.”
This sentiment is echoed by candidates like Ralph Regenvanu, a prominent climate advocate with global recognition who is campaigning on a platform of accountability and public service reform. For many voters, his message resonates in a time of uncertainty and hardship.
“There are a lot of unemployed people right now, a lot of businesses closed, a lot of people don’t go to school. We need a government who will sort it out.”
– Etul Franky, voter
As the people of Vanuatu cast their ballots amid the rubble and tents that have become a symbol of their resilience, they cling to the hope that this election will mark a turning point – a chance to install a government capable of leading them through the long and arduous process of rebuilding, while also addressing the urgent issues of climate change, women’s rights, and economic stability. In a nation so often battered by both natural disasters and political turmoil, the desire for a brighter, more secure future has never been stronger.
