Screengrab of live vote counting. 4 June 2024. Photo: Facebook / 2024 Referendum
Vote counting is now underway for Vanuatu's first national referendum on constitutional changes aimed at curbing the many years of political instability in the country.
In the referendum, held last week, voters were asked to vote yes or no to the addition of two articles to the country's constitution.
Article 17A says any MP who resigns or is terminated for ceasing to support a political party will have their seat automatically vacated.
And article 17B says all MPs must be affiliated to a political party and there can be no single MP party in parliament.
More than 200,000 registered voters, including those overseas, were eligible to have their say.
The referendum became a reality when the Political Parties Registration Act of 2023 was passed in December 2023.
The act seeks to strengthen Vanuatu's political landscape by promoting integrity, good governance, and financial transparency among political parties.
When it was introduced in parliament, the Minister of Internal Affairs Johnny Koanapo acknowledged that while it might not be the best solution to political instability, it represented a significant step forward.
He noted that political instability has been ongoing for over 20 years, and the bill establishes a platform to start the journey toward stability for the benefit of the people.
Opposition
A group in Vanuatu opposed to the referendum had filed an urgent Constitutional application to the Supreme Court.
The 'no' group's chair, former MP Joshua Kalsakau had requested the court declare the Political Parties Registration of 2023, and the Referendum Act of 2023 unconstitutional.
Its also sought compensation for their legal costs and any other orders the court deems fair.
The group said it was not fair that the government has allocated US$2.9 million for public awareness purposes about the referendum - while it did not enjoy the same privilege.
