The electoral commission in Vanuatu is diligently working to resolve confusion surrounding the voting process for the snap elections scheduled for this Thursday. Principal Electoral Officer Guilain Malessas emphasized the challenges posed by the expedited timeline established after the dissolution of parliament last year, necessitating an election within just two months, as mandated by the constitution.

The Vanuatu Electoral Office confirmed that 52 seats across 18 constituencies will be contested by 217 candidates, including only seven women. Despite these obstacles, Malessas reported that preparations are nearing completion, with final ballot boxes being sent to the remotest polling stations throughout the country. Notably, just last month, a strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck, adding another layer of difficulty to the process, yet officials have continued to work tirelessly to ensure the elections proceed.

“Our final challenge is ensuring that all ballot boxes reach the polling stations safely,” Malessas stated. He highlighted the introduction of a new ballot structure which has not been adequately communicated to voters, raising concerns over voter understanding and participation. “The new ballot will consist of a single page listing all candidates and their symbols, which necessitates clear awareness to ensure voter confidence,” he added.

Despite the short turnaround, efforts are being made to train polling station officials and distribute informational materials, aiding voters in navigating the new system. Awareness campaigns have also been conducted by the candidates during their political outreach.

As polling day approaches, concerns about voters arriving at incorrect polling stations are anticipated, particularly since many have been relocated due to earthquake damage. The election officials plan to verify the residency of voters using national ID cards, which must have been issued before the voter registration deadline on December 3, 2024, highlighting the commission’s commitment to transparency and fair electoral practices.

This snap election serves as a pivotal moment for Vanuatu’s democratic framework, and the electoral commission remains hopeful that despite the challenges, voters will engage actively and understand the new voting process, ensuring a robust electoral outcome.

With the resilience displayed amidst adversity, there is a collective optimism in Vanuatu that this election will uphold the democratic values and the right to representation that underpin the nation’s governance.