Vanuatu Roundup: Snap elections, women take over politics, Australia aid

Vanuatu to hold snap elections, a month after earthquake

Vanuatu is preparing for snap elections following the dissolution of parliament and a devastating earthquake that recently struck the region. With a 7.3 magnitude tremor resulting in the loss of 14 lives and significant damage to infrastructure, candidates are anticipated to focus on recovery efforts while also addressing core issues such as healthcare and education services, ABC reports.

Women candidates challenge Vanuatu’s male-dominated politics at snap election

In the lead-up to the national elections on January 16, 2025, women candidates are increasingly pushing for representation within a male-dominated political framework. The recent calamity has heightened awareness of women's contributions, particularly among traders in the handicraft market impacted by the earthquake. Out of 217 candidates competing for 52 parliamentary seats, only seven are women, a reduction from 18 in 2020, showcasing the ongoing challenges for female political participation. According to Benar News, advocates, including Jennifer Kalpokas from the NGO Balance of Power, stress the societal and economic barriers that restrict women’s roles in governance, although recent municipal elections have seen progress with more women being elected to local councils.

Australia security aims tangled in Vanuatu election

Amidst the backdrop of political instability and the aftermath of natural disasters, Vanuatu is bracing for a snap election this week. Prime Minister Charlot Salwai’s decision to dissolve parliament has incited controversy, particularly given Australia's strategic interests tied to an unratified bilateral security agreement with Vanuatu. Former Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau's political downfall was compounded by issues surrounding this agreement, whilst Salwai contends with an unstable political environment. The composition of the next government may critically shape Vanuatu’s geopolitical alignments, particularly regarding U.S. and Chinese influences. Kalsakau has expressed intentions to ratify the security agreement, conditional upon coalition dynamics post-election, FBC News reports.

Vanuatu earthquakes and Noumea unrest cast doubt on Pacific cruise season

Concerns are mounting for Vanuatu's cruise tourism sector following the earthquakes, especially regarding visits to Noumea and Port Vila. Cruise Passenger reports that the Disney Cruise Line has cancelled scheduled calls to Noumea due to unrest and limited activities, while other lines have resumed their services without significant issues. Meanwhile, Port Vila faces an uncertain future, having suffered severe damage and with cyclone risks looming, resulting in the displacement of approximately 80,000 residents. As recovery efforts continue, many cruise lines are assessing the viability of upcoming itineraries, leading to cancellations, including at least one Royal Caribbean cruise which opted out of stopping in Port Vila.

Australia’s $10m boost for Vanuatu after earthquake

In response to the recent disaster, Australia is augmenting its support for Vanuatu with an additional $10 million dedicated to recovery initiatives targeting vital sectors such as education, health, and transportation. This funding aim is to ensure long-term sustainability while assisting vulnerable populations. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to Vanuatu in times of crisis, following an earlier $7 million humanitarian aid package that sought to address immediate needs. However, challenges such as blocked roads and communication impediments have complicated the aid delivery efforts. Concurrently, aid workers have raised alarms about potential health risks stemming from water shortages that are affecting roughly 20,000 individuals. Australia has also facilitated the evacuation of nearly 700 citizens from Vanuatu to Brisbane in the wake of the disaster, reports QBN City News.