Vanuatu

Parliament

Political system
Parliamentary system
Structure of parliament
Unicameral
IPU membership
Yes
»

Election results

Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections.

Background

Election date(s)
13 Oct 2022
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
18 Aug 2022
Timing of election
Early elections
Expected date of next elections
30 Nov 2026
Number of seats at stake
52
Scope of elections
Full renewal

Results

About the election

Snap elections in 2022 resulted in a fragmented parliament again. The 52-member legislature comprises 17 parties (down from 19 elected in 2020). One woman was elected for the first time since 2012. The Vanua'aku Pati (VP) led by Prime Minister Bob Loughman) and the Union of Moderate Parties (UMP, led by former Attorney General Ishmael Kalsakau) both came first, winning seven seats.

On 4 November, Parliament held its first session. Mr. Simeon Davidson Seoule (Laverwo Movement), who was supported by the UMP and its allies, was re-elected as Speaker. He defeated Mr. Ulrich Sumptoh of the Reunification Movement for Change (RMC), who was endorsed by Prime Minister Loughman. Mr. Loughman announced that his camp would not nominate a premiership candidate, but would instead support Mr. Kalsakau (UMP). Parliament then elected Mr. Kalsakau as the new Prime Minister with 50 votes. He had announced a 10-party coalition government (c.f., names of parties in government). The sole woman MP, Ms. Gloria Julia King, became the third Deputy Speaker.

The 2022 elections were held over a year earlier than they were constitutionally due (see note). On 18 August, the eve of a no confidence motion against the then Prime Minister Loughman, Parliament was dissolved by President Nikenike Vurobaravu (VP, elected by Parliament in July 2022). Earlier, the government (under the then Vanuatu President Tallis Obed Moses) announced agreements with China, deepening their economic ties.

Note:

In Vanuatu, a parliament’s term lasts for four years from the date of its election. The outgoing legislature, elected on 19 March 2020, was to sit until March 2024. General elections are held no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days after any dissolution of parliament. Elections were thus due between April and May 2024.

Number of parties winning seats
17
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
13.5%
Alternation of power after elections
Yes
Number of parties in government
10
Names of parties in government
Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), Reunification of Movement for Change (RMC), National United Party (NUP), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Graon mo Jastis Party (GJP), Leaders Party Vanuatu (LPV), National Development Party (VNDP), National United Party (NUP), Ngwasoanda Custom Movement, Laverwo Movement

Parties or coalitions winning seats

Parties or coalitions winning seats
Political group Total
Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) 7
Vanua'aku Pati (VP) 7
Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV) 5
Reunification Movement for Change (RMC) 5
Graon mo Jastis Pati (Land and Justice Party, GJP) 4
National United Party (NUP) 4
Rural Development Party (RDP) 4
Iauko Group (IG) 3
People’s Progressive Party (PPP) 2
Ngwasoanda Custom Movement (NCM) 2
Vanuatu National Development Party (VNDP) 2
Laverwo Movement 1
Nagriamel Movement 1
People Unity Development Party (PUDP) 1
Unity for Change Movement (UCM) 1
Vanuatu Liberal Movement (VLLP) 1
Vanuatu Progressive Development Party (VPDP) 1
Independents 1
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
51
Number of women elected
1
Percentage of women elected
1.9%
Women Directly Elected
1
Other notes on the elections

Note on the expected date of next elections:

Unless dissolved sooner, Parliament will continue for four years from the date of its election, i.e. until 13 October 2026. General elections are to be held no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days after any dissolution. They are thus due between November 2026 and January 2027.

Sources

New legislature

Total number of men after the election
51
Total number of women after the election
1
Percentage of women after the election
1.9%
First-term parliamentarians
No information available
Percentage of first-term parliamentarians
No information available
Date of the first session
04 Nov 2022

First Speaker of the new legislature

Personal details for the first Speaker of the new legislature
Simeon Davidson Seoule (Male)
Date of birth: 10 Oct 1970
Political party
Laverwo Movement
Date of election
04 Nov 2022

Historical data for IPU membership

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Historical data for IPU membership
Year IPU membership
2020-09
List of values for 2020-09
No
2019-04
List of values for 2019-04
No
2018-06
List of values for 2018-06
No