ALP International Projects, 18 AUG 2008
IPDC Committee Member Richard Marles has launched the ‘Political Parties and Groupings of Vanuatu, First Edition’ booklet in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Attending the launch were leaders of Vanuatu’s political parties and representatives of civil society including the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Vanuatu National Women’s Council, Vanuatu Youth Council and Vanuatu Christian Council.
The first edition of The political parties and groupings of Vanuatu has been launched by visitingMP Richard Marles in the lead up to the national general elections to be held on 2 September, 2008. The publication is a collaborative project between Australian Labor’s International Projects Unit, the Pacific Institute of Public Policy and the political parties of Vanuatu.
It was commissioned under the Australian Political Parties for Democracy Program (APPDP).
Attending the launch were leaders of Vanuatu’s political parties together with representatives of civil society and the diplomatic community. A copy of the launch speech is available from the ALP International Projects web site.
The booklet profiles 21 of the political parties and groupings contesting the elections and captures the major debates as seen by the parties themselves. The authors hope these notes contribute to a better understanding of the political situation in Vanuatu in our region and contribute to the continuation of open and sustainable politic processes. The publication is available in English and Bislama.
Since the early 1990s, the dominance of the independence political parties has been eroded by factionalism and personality politics. An explosion in the number of minor political parties and independents contesting and winning elections means that forming government has become a complex process of negotiation between parliamentary groups, rather than the direct result of national elections. No party has been able to form government in its own right since the 1991 elections. Since 2004, the situation has stabilised with Ham Lini and the National United Party (NUP) leading a coalition government to full term.
An incredible 330 candidates and 25 parties registered to contest the 52 seats on offer in the 2008 elections. The authors acknowledge the legitimacy of independent candidates, however were not able to profile them in this publication as there are simply too many.
The booklet, published in the form of a concise public resource in both English and Bislama, profiles:
This reference guide has been supported by a series of media articles, as well as an awareness/engagement/dissemination program using local, informal communication networks (e.g. civil society groups, Area Councils, NGO field workers, and community forums).
The number of candidates as well as recent history would suggest it most unlikely for a majority government to be elected. Rather the make up of the next parliament will most likely be determined through coalition negotiations after the elections.
The Pacific Institute of Public Policy will work closely with local and regional media agencies to cover the Vanuatu elections.
A copy of the booklet is available here.
Islands Business, 14 AUG 2008
Derek Brien, from the Pacific Institute of Public Policy, in Port Vila, said he cannot see a majority government returned next month.
The report The Unfinished State, Drivers of Change in Vanuatu (Marcus Cox et al, 2007) examined the socio- economic drivers of change in Vanuatu together with the state’s capacity to manage this change. PiPP has prepared a series of summary papers to provided an overview of the key issues raised and examined by the Drivers of Change authors, and to stimulate further discussion and debate on the issues arising from the report, including:
Drivers of Change (DoC) is a tool used by development agencies to identify and study the linkages between a country’s political framework and the factors that support or block development. It considers the interaction between economic, social and cultural systems and the goals, behaviours and actions of the development actors (including individuals and organisations).
The Vanuatu Drivers of Change study team included: Marcus Cox, Hannington Alatoa, Linda Kenni, Anna Naupa, Dr. Gregory Rawlings, Nikunj Soni and Charles Vatu, with senior advisors George Sokomanu, Vincent Bulekone. The report was commissioned by AusAID. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AusAID, the Australian Government or the Pacific Institute of Public Policy.
A copy of the full Drivers of Change report is available from the AusAID web site.
This week on Pacific Politics: PiPPtalks - MSG Secretariat Director General Peter Forau discusses the organisation's identity and purpose; Dan McGarry looks at the West Papuan independence movement's long road to freedom; a photo essay on the MSG's Eminent Persons Group and much more....
PiPP is pleased to present its latest tool in understanding the state of mobile phone and internet use in Vanuatu. This infographic encapsulates the key findings from our 2011 study of social and economic effects of telecoms in Vanuatu. Please contact us for a printed copy or click here for the downloadable graphic.
