Women remain underrepresented in Vanuatu politics

The chairman of Vanuatu's electoral commission says he expects there to possibly be more than 500 candidates; which if proves correct, would be a record number.

However, the number of women set to contest the election is likely to have fallen significantly.

In the 2012 poll, a record 10 women ran, however none were voted in.

This time, at least 3 women are hoping to run as independent candidates, including Jenny Ligo contested both the 2012 and 2008 elections.

Ligo says politics in Vanuatu is still failing to represent the needs of women.

Meanwhile, politicians in the past years have failed repeatedly to unite people at north Efate regardless of differences.

Foreign influence and money continues to be the reason of dividing voters.

For that reason, the Taleva Political Bloc has announced it has formed a new executive but this time with one clear voice, to unite and elect a candidate to parliament that will represent the interest of everyone.

The newly formed executive is made up of representatives from Mangaliliu to Eton covering north Efate’s offshore islands.

Members include Steve Kaltoi from Epau as chairperson, vice-chair Nichol Matoa (Nguna), Secretary Toara (Takara), vice-secretary Jerry Shem (Epule), Treasurer Terry Tanearu (Paunangisu), vice-treasurer Jean Claude Kanegai (Nguna), coordinator Timothy Kalangis (Tanoliu), assistant coordinator David Archie (Paunangisu) and members; Kirk Kalmaire (Emua) and Kaloran Archie (Paunangisu).

North Efate has a large number of electors but politicians, both former and current, are not setting focus on electing a representative but have allowed voting to be influenced by foreigners.

Taleva Bloc has announced that its meeting of November 11 has endorsed Jean Claude Kenegai the vice-treasurer of the new executive, from Nguna, to be its proposed candidate in the coming election.

Kaltoi who heads the new executive is strongly appealing to all residents in north Efate to forget all differences and unite for change.

The Taleva Bloc will hold its next meeting on December 16 at Chief Valeawia’s Nakamal at Epau Village in north Efate.

SOURCE: ABC/VAUATU DAILY POST/PACNEWS/PNG TODAY