2020 Vanuatuan general election All 52 seats in Parliament 27 seats needed for a majority
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
General elections were held in Vanuatu on 19–20 March 2020.[ 1] The elections were initially intended to be held on 19 March, but logistical problems resulted in some areas voting the following day.[ 2]
The 52 members of Parliament were elected from eight single-member constituencies and ten multi-member constituencies (of between two and seven seats) by first-past-the-post and single non-transferable vote , respectively.[ 3]
The Vanua'aku Pati launched its campaign slogan 'Lets Rebuild Vanuatu' in June 2019 and endorsed the continuation of its Kambak ("come back") policy.[ 4]
In October 2019, a 'Vot Woman' campaign was launched, supporting all female candidates and calling for guaranteed 50% representation for women in parliament.[ 5] No women were elected in the 2012 or 2016 elections . There were around 15 female candidates,[ 6] but none were elected. The youngest woman candidate in 2020 was Litiana Kalsrap .[ 7]
An important issue was the future of the lucrative but controversial citizenship by investment, or “passport sales” programs. For a price of about US $150,000, these schemes allow applicants to become citizens in months, without setting foot in the country.[ 8]
Although there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the islands, there were concerns that fears of the pandemic could keep turnout low. Turnout at the previous election was about 57%.[ 8]
Unofficial results were gradually released over the following days, with official results being announced later than usual, on 6 April, due to the death of the Chairman of the Vanuatu Electoral Commission, Martin Tete.[ 9] No women were elected.[ 10] Nineteen parties won one or more seats, with the Land and Justice Party becoming the largest with nine of the 52 seats. Turnout was down six percentage points from the prior elections in 2016.
Party Votes % Seats +/– Leaders Party of Vanuatu 17,992 12.49 5 +4 Vanua'aku Pati 17,460 12.12 7 +1 Reunification Movement for Change 16,298 11.32 7 +4 Land and Justice Party 14,400 10.00 9 +2 Union of Moderate Parties 11,043 7.67 5 –1 National United Party 6,010 4.17 4 0 Green Confederation 3,623 2.52 1 –1 Rural Development Party 3,600 2.50 2 New Vanuatu Liberal Movement 3,147 2.19 1 New Nagriamel 2,980 2.07 1 –2 Vanuatu Labour Party 2,866 1.99 0 –1 Iauko Group 2,847 1.98 2 –2 People's Progressive Party 2,664 1.85 1 0 Vanuatu First Party 2,112 1.47 1 New Vanuatu National Development Party 2,102 1.46 1 –1 People Unity Development Party 1,870 1.30 1 New Vanuatu Cultural Self-reliance Movement 1,637 1.14 1 New Vemarana 1,506 1.05 1 +1 Ngwasoanda Custom Movement 1,300 0.90 1 New Oceania Transformation Movement 1,252 0.87 0 New The People's Party 1,232 0.86 0 New Vanuatu Community Movement 1,028 0.71 0 New Friend Melanesian Party 996 0.69 0 –1 Kia Koe Party 958 0.67 0 New New Nation Party 901 0.63 0 New Vanuatu Progressive Development Party 825 0.57 1 +1 Upi Nafzan Iskei 729 0.51 0 New People's Services Party 700 0.49 0 –1 Vanuatu People's Alliance for Change 602 0.42 0 New Natatok Indigenous People's Democratic Party 593 0.41 0 0 Vanuatu Progressive Republican Farmer Party 512 0.36 0 0 People's Democratic Party 505 0.35 0 New National Party 448 0.31 0 0 Imaim 442 0.31 0 New UCVP Party 436 0.30 0 New Angai Tagaro 386 0.27 0 New Melanesian Progressive Party 327 0.23 0 0 United Movements for Vanuatu People 315 0.22 0 New Vanuatu Presidential Party 294 0.20 0 –1 Nodaru Masan Party 104 0.07 0 New Shepherds Alliance Party 80 0.06 0 0 People's Action Party 77 0.05 0 0 Namaki Ahute Kastom Movement 71 0.05 0 New People, Churches, Chiefs Party 70 0.05 0 New Vanuatu Liberal Party 54 0.04 0 New Movement for Righteousness, Justice and Peace 37 0.03 0 New Vanuatu Peoples for Change Party 19 0.01 0 New Vanuatu Reform Democratic Party 7 0.00 0 0 Independents 14,546 10.10 0 –8 Total 144,003 100.00 52 0 Valid votes 144,003 99.27 Invalid/blank votes 1,061 0.73 Total votes 145,064 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 278,954 52.00 Source: Vanuatu Electoral Office , Election Report
Efate Candidate Party Votes % Jack Norris Kalmet Reunification Movement for Change 2,301 11.10 Pakoa Kaltonga Leaders Party of Vanuatu 1,854 8.95 Gillion William Land and Justice Party 1,800 8.68 Anatole Hymak Vanuatu First Party 1,340 6.47 John Mark Ruben Vanua'aku Pati 1,160 5.60 Lionel Nasome Kaluat The People's Party 1,043 5.03 Edwin Kalorisu Leaders Party of Vanuatu 1,017 4.91 Michel Taravaki Vanuatu Liberal Movement 988 4.77 Eddy Kalokul Leaders Party of Vanuatu 948 4.57 Roro Sambo New Nation Party 901 4.35 Joshua Kalsakau Vanuatu Labour Party 834 4.02 Ghislain Kaltack Upi Nafzan Iskei 729 3.52 Takalo Tavimasoe Vanua'aku Pati 706 3.41 John Iasu Green Confederation 684 3.30 Alfred Rollan Carlot Natatok 593 2.86 Stanley Kaltoi John Vanua'aku Pati 589 2.84 Philip Fanne Union of Moderate Parties 511 2.47 Rolland Pierre Vanuatu Labour Party 507 2.45 Graham Nalpini Independent 397 1.92 Jean Pierre Serel Independent 369 1.78 Seretangi Kalsakau Reunification Movement for Change 361 1.74 Johnston Tau Independent 248 1.20 Teni Kalmet United Movements for Vanuatu People 228 1.10 Ephraim Kalmet People's Democratic Party 144 0.69 Henry Kaltang Independent 113 0.55 Pierre Carlot Melanesian Progressive Party 90 0.43 Litiana Kalsrap Shepherds Alliance Party 79 0.38 Jack Pakoa Oceania Transformation Movement 75 0.36 Alice Annies Athy Independent 70 0.34 Hendon Kalsakau Oceania Transformation Movement 47 0.23 Total 20,726 100.00 Valid votes 20,726 99.41 Invalid/blank votes 124 0.59 Total votes 20,850 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 44,385 46.98
Maewo Candidate Party Votes % Ian Wilson Ngwasoanda Custom Movement 1,300 64.20 Reynolds Boeleguriega Boeson Independent 473 23.36 Elison Reveala Vanua'aku Pati 225 11.11 Paul Allen Boe Kia Koe Party 27 1.33 Total 2,025 100.00 Valid votes 2,025 96.34 Invalid/blank votes 77 3.66 Total votes 2,102 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 3,064 68.60
Port Vila Candidate Party Votes % Ralph Regenvanu Land and Justice Party 1,987 9.74 Ulrich Sumptoh Reunification Movement for Change 1,819 8.92 Ishmael Kalsakau Union of Moderate Parties 1,581 7.75 Harry Anthony Union of Moderate Parties 1,466 7.19 Kenneth Natapei Vanua'aku Pati 1,255 6.15 Stephen Dorrick Felix Leaders Party of Vanuatu 1,159 5.68 Robert Bohn Sikol Green Confederation 1,089 5.34 Jean Pierre Nirua Reunification Movement for Change 991 4.86 Joseph Matou Sowany Independent 889 4.36 Nadia Kanegai Independent 858 4.21 Donald Palaud Union of Moderate Parties 688 3.37 Reginal Garoleo National United Party 633 3.10 Ligo Joe Wilson Leaders Party of Vanuatu 591 2.90 Ephraim Kalsakau Vanuatu Labour Party 584 2.86 George Jonathan Mael Toka Independent 572 2.80 Donald Shadrack National Party 428 2.10 Kalopo Seule Kalo Independent 411 2.01 Nigel Quai Independent 395 1.94 David Manlau Vanuatu People's Alliance for Change 373 1.83 Joel Langlois People's Democratic Party 361 1.77 Levi Tarosa Independent 324 1.59 Thomson Pakoa People Unity Development Party 317 1.55 Himford Luo Wendy Union of Moderate Parties 226 1.11 Daniel Philips Obed The People's Party 189 0.93 Barak Sopé Melanesian Progressive Party 181 0.89 Derek Alexander Independent 179 0.88 Anne Leimala Pakoa Tau Independent 158 0.77 George Borugu Independent 136 0.67 Terry Kapah People's Progressive Party 123 0.60 Jerry Moli Tamata Nagriamel 71 0.35 Graham Tabirap Oceania Transformation Movement 68 0.33 Christopher Joseph Kernot Kia Koe Party 65 0.32 David Tosul Melanesian Progressive Party 56 0.27 Obed Robert Diniro Vanuatu Liberal Party 54 0.26 Markson Max Nibtik Independent 44 0.22 Daniel Molisa Movement for Righteousness, Justice and Peace 37 0.18 Marie Joseph Kalkoa Independent 29 0.14 Manina Juanita Packete Oceania Transformation Movement 12 0.06 Total 20,399 100.00 Valid votes 20,399 99.41 Invalid/blank votes 122 0.59 Total votes 20,521 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 51,831 39.59
Santo Candidate Party Votes % Mahe Rick Tchamako Reunification Movement for Change 2,900 12.25 Gaetan Pikinoune Vanuatu Liberal Movement 1,858 7.85 Alfred Maoh Land and Justice Party 1,572 6.64 Stevens Nano Fabiano Vemarana 1,506 6.36 Samson Samsen Vanuatu Cultural Self-reliance Movement 1,272 5.37 Leonard Joshua Pikioune Nagriamel 1,204 5.09 Sakaes Lulu People's Progressive Party 1,141 4.82 Bani Jocob Leaders Party of Vanuatu 1,131 4.78 John Lum Nagriamel 1,048 4.43 Livo Mele Vanuatu Community Movement 1,028 4.34 Amblus Edwin Macreveth Friend Melanesian Party 996 4.21 Warsal Ronald Kalmasei Vanua'aku Pati 882 3.73 Ravu Breten Union of Moderate Parties 737 3.11 Leon Katty Warsal Union of Moderate Parties 710 3.00 Teviri Bule Cap Tabimel Reunification Movement for Change 662 2.80 Charley Jean Vincent Independent 598 2.53 Ravou Akii Kolomoule Jean Vanuatu Progressive Republican Farmer Party 512 2.16 Vutilolo Ioan Leaders Party of Vanuatu 483 2.04 Nevu Hosea Avock Rothui Union of Moderate Parties 462 1.95 Collin Tavi Independent 436 1.84 Langrere Manuel Garae National United Party 424 1.79 Warlan Iavro People Unity Development Party 422 1.78 Jullian Varisipiti Vanua'aku Pati 318 1.34 Arutape Johnathan Lavo Vanuatu Presidential Party 294 1.24 Rocroc Silas Vanuatu First Party 274 1.16 Seni Mao Tarvakavat Independent 205 0.87 Moses Moli Independent 152 0.64 Thomas Adnrina Klt Prasad Oceania Transformation Movement 113 0.48 John Wesley Nev Green Confederation 83 0.35 Judah Siba Independent 62 0.26 Toa Voke Steven Kia Koe Party 61 0.26 Marae Clarence Oceania Transformation Movement 57 0.24 Timothy Ian Pune Independent 30 0.13 Kouai John Wesley Nodaru Masan Party 23 0.10 James Samuel Turket People's Action Party 21 0.09 Total 23,677 100.00 Valid votes 23,677 99.56 Invalid/blank votes 105 0.44 Total votes 23,782 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 40,674 58.47
Shepherds Candidate Party Votes % Willie Pakoa Satearoto Green Confederation 344 39.31 John William Mata'ariki Timakata Vanua'aku Pati 299 34.17 Baptiste Firiam Leaders Party of Vanuatu 232 26.51 Total 875 100.00 Valid votes 875 98.98 Invalid/blank votes 9 1.02 Total votes 884 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 1,441 61.35
Tanna Candidate Party Votes % Jothan Napat Leaders Party of Vanuatu 1,841 9.50 Emanuel Xavier Harry Iauko Group 1,807 9.32 Robin Kapapa Union of Moderate Parties 1,584 8.17 Andrew Solomon Napuat Land and Justice Party 1,474 7.60 Johnny Koanapo Vanua'aku Pati 1,431 7.38 Bob Loughman Vanua'aku Pati 1,321 6.81 Nako Ianatom Natuman Union of Moderate Parties 1,175 6.06 Nipo Jimmy Nanuman Leaders Party of Vanuatu 1,135 5.86 James Noumeta Independent 968 4.99 Niatu Jerry Vanua'aku Pati 957 4.94 John Less Napuati Rural Development Party 823 4.25 Noam Tom Rural Development Party 741 3.82 Johnson Youse Simil Vanua'aku Pati 505 2.61 Andrew Nampat Kausiama Independent 467 2.41 Kapum Isso Kia Koe Party 462 2.38 Iapson George Kuras Imaim 438 2.26 Johnny Lavah Nauam Independent 429 2.21 John Am Miliaki Independent 389 2.01 George Ronald Vanua'aku Pati 310 1.60 Faniku Mary Kaviamu Independent 299 1.54 Kuahi Tom Iapsei Green Confederation 264 1.36 John Enock Tafiku Vanuatu People's Alliance for Change 229 1.18 Tom Gregoire Ionum Reunification Movement for Change 148 0.76 William Nasak Independent 91 0.47 Jaques Meriago Nauka Independent 54 0.28 Joe Harry Karu Vanuatu Labour Party 36 0.19 Luke Lotrick Iawilick Imaim 4 0.02 Richard Namel Oceania Transformation Movement 3 0.02 Total 19,385 100.00 Valid votes 19,385 99.15 Invalid/blank votes 166 0.85 Total votes 19,551 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 35,857 54.52
Due to the delay in announcing the official results, Parliament was unable to meet for its first sitting within the normal period of 21 days after the election, and instead met for the first time on 20 April.[ 9] During the first meeting, Gracia Shadrack of the Leaders Party of Vanuatu was elected Speaker. Bob Loughman of the Vanua'aku Pati was elected Prime Minister, defeating former foreign minister Ralph Regenvanu of the Land and Justice Party by 31 votes to 21. Loughman's coalition government included the Vanua'aku Pati, the Union of Moderate Parties , the National United Party and other minor parties. The next day Loughman appointed the members of his government.[ 11]
Subsequent by-elections [ edit ]
2021 Pentecost by-election [ edit ]
Caused by the conviction of incumbent Charlot Salwai for perjury. He was pardoned by President Tallis Obed Moses , allowing him to run for the seat.[ 12] The election was held on 8 October 2021.[ 13] It was won by Sumptoh Blaise Tabisurin of the Rural Development Party.
^ General Election Date Set for March 19 Daily Post, 29 October 2019
^ "OVER 21,000 VOTERS YET TO VOTE" . Vanuatu Daily Post . 20 March 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020 .
^ Republic of Vanuatu: Election for Ni-Vanuatu Parliament IFES
^ Vanuatu's largest political party endorses candidates for 2020 election Daily Post, 11 June 2019
^ Historic ‘Vot Woman’ Campaign Launched Daily Post, 8 October 2019
^ Cain, Tess Newton (17 March 2020). "Coronavirus fears and controversial passport sales: Vanuatu's election explained" . The Guardian . ISSN 0261-3077 . Retrieved 18 March 2020 .
^ Mcdonald, Joshua. "Women in Vanuatu Vie for a Presence in Parliament" . thediplomat.com . Retrieved 12 November 2021 .
^ a b Coronavirus fears and controversial passport sales: Vanuatu's election explained by Tess Newton Cain, The Guardian, 17 Mar 2020
^ a b Malapa, Terence (9 April 2020). "Parliament Summoned" . Daily Post . Retrieved 10 April 2020 .
^ Malapa, Terence. "2020 GE Unofficial Results: 25 Former MPs Re-elected" . Vanuatu Daily Post . Retrieved 23 March 2020 .
^ Vanuatu's new PM appoints his new Cabinet Radio New Zealand, 21 April 2020
^ "Nine candidates to contest Pentecost by-election" . Loop Vanuatu . 22 September 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2022 .
^ "2021 Pentecost Constituency Parliamentary By-election" . Vanuatu Electoral Office . Retrieved 1 May 2022 .
^ THE DECLARATION OF RESULTS FOR CANDIDATES DULY ELECTED . Vanuatu Electoral Office (via Facebook).