On July 8, 2025, voters in Freshwater/Tasariki/Bahai Ward, Port Vila, will elect one woman to the reserved seat on the Port Vila Municipal Council.
This by-election is not just about filling a seat; it is about strengthening women’s leadership and ensuring women’s voices guide decisions that shape your community’s future.
A Brief History: Women in Vanuatu Politics
Since independence in 1980, women’s representation in Vanuatu’s national politics has been low.
- In 1983, Maria Crowby and Motarilavoa Hilda Lin̄i became the first women elected to the Port Vila Municipal Council, paving the way for women’s participation in local government.
- In 1987, Hilda Lin̄i became the first woman elected to Vanuatu’s Parliament, representing Port Vila and advocating for health and women’s rights.
Despite these milestones, women have often been underrepresented in Parliament, with some terms having no female MPs at all.
For example:
✅ In the 2016 general elections, 10 women (3.8% of candidates) contested but none were elected.
✅ In the 2020 elections, 17 women (6% of candidates) contested but again, no women were elected.
✅ In the 2022 snap elections, eight women contested, with Hon. Gloria Julia King elected, becoming the first woman in Parliament since 2008.
This shows the persistent barriers to women’s participation in national-level politics in Vanuatu.
Why Reserve Seats Matter
To address this imbalance, Port Vila and Luganville Municipal Councils introduced reserved seats for women in 2013 under the Municipalities (Amendment) Act, allowing a 30% quota for women’s representation.
These reserved seats:
✅ Guarantee women’s presence in local decision-making
✅ Provide opportunities for women to gain governance experience
✅ Ensure women’s perspectives shape decisions on markets, zoning, sanitation, and city services
✅ Are part of Vanuatu’s broader efforts to empower women in leadership, using a gradual approach from municipal councils to provincial governments, and eventually to Parliament.
Since adopting these quotas, more women have been elected within municipal councils, building a foundation for women’s leadership in Vanuatu.
Meet the Six Port Vila Women Contesting
The six Port Vila women contesting the reserved seat are:
1️⃣ Mrs. Lalwayer (Green Party)
2️⃣ Mrs. Telemb (UMP)
3️⃣ Ms. Melka Garden Nembu (LPV)
4️⃣ Ms. Jennifer Kausei (VP)
5️⃣ Mrs. A. Nirua (RMC)
6️⃣ Mrs. Albertine Raplili (GJP)
All six are committed to serving the community and ensuring residents’ needs are addressed at the municipal level.
Important Election Timeline
According to the Vanuatu Electoral Office, here are key dates leading up to Polling Day on July 8, 2025:
✅ Preliminary voter lists were made available on March 30, 2025, and inspections closed on May 13, 2025.
✅ Voter registration closed on May 27, 2025, ensuring eligible voters are listed.
✅ Candidature applications opened on May 7 and closed on May 17, 2025.
✅ Proxy voting applications closed on May 30, 2025, and party/candidate agent accreditation was completed in May.
✅ Qualified candidates were published on June 23, 2025, followed by the ballot paper draw on June 24, 2025.
✅ The campaign period opened on June 23 and will close at midnight on July 5, 2025.
These preparations ensure a transparent, organized, and fair electoral process as voters in Port Vila and across Vanuatu prepare to cast their votes. As polling day approaches, make sure you know your polling station, prepare your voter card, and encourage your community to participate.
How to Choose the Best Candidate
All candidates are genuine, but it is crucial to vote wisely. Here are 10 criteria to guide your decision:
✅ Community Involvement: Is she active in community projects?
✅ Education Background: University-level education is a plus.
✅ Work Experience: Locally and regionally.
✅ Party Support: Backed by parties for wider trust.
✅ Innovation: Brings new ideas for Port Vila’s development.
✅ Resident of the Ward: Lives in Freshwater/Tasariki/Stade/Bahai.
✅ Approachable: Friendly and open to listen.
✅ Communication Skills: Can negotiate and advocate effectively.
✅ Project Advocacy: Will push zoning and development projects.
✅ Walks the Talk: Engages actively in council work, not just voting.
Personally, I see Jennifer Kause (VP) meeting many of these criteria, but ultimately, your choice will shape the leadership for your ward and your city.
Women’s Empowerment in Vanuatu
Empowering women in leadership:
✅ Strengthens community accountability
✅ Advances gender equality in decision-making
✅ Ensures inclusive development
Supporting women in leadership is an investment in stronger, more responsive governance for your community.
Your Vote, Your Power
Polling Day: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
✅ Check your voter registration.
✅ Encourage your family and friends to vote.
✅ Vote for capable women leaders who will deliver for Port Vila.
Let’s put aside party politics and vote for the best of the best. Together, let’s build a Port Vila where women’s voices help lead the way forward.
Mattdotvu 
Leave a comment