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:
- history of party/grouping, including campaign/electoral history
- summary of platforms and policies
- membership, including details of key figures
- relations/alliances between parties or groupings
- contact details for each party or grouping.
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.
