Vanuatu
Vanuatu has a population of approximately 330,000 people. The National Parliament has 52 members. Elections are held every 4 years. There are 17 constituencies used, with between 1 and 7-member constituencies. Vanuatu uses the single-non-transferable-vote system. Since Independence, only 7 women have been elected to the National Parliament.
Vanuatu has four levels of government; three are elected – namely the National Parliament, six provincial governments and two municipal councils in Port Vila and Luganville – while 71 local area councils are appointed An amendment to the Municipalities Act passed in 2013 has allowed for a 30 per cent quota for women’s representation within the two municipal councils of Port Vila (5 reserved seats, 1 per ward) and Luganville (4 reserved seats, 1 per ward). The adoption of quota mechanisms at municipal level was initiated by the Director of Women’s Affairs to tackle the issue of attitudinal resistance of women’s political participation. It was intended to begin a gradual approach moving from the lowest level of government, the municipal councils, to provincial governments and finally to the national parliament. In 2023, the Government amended the Electoral Act 2023 and made the municipal council reserved seats permanent. However, the Government did not endorse proposed reserved seats for provincial councils and the National Parliament.
A total of 261 candidates contested the January 2016 general elections, with 68 independents and 193 candidates from 36 political parties. 10 women contested in the 2016 election representing 3.8% of all candidates. Unfortunately, no women have been elected into the current Parliament. A total of 295 candidates contested the 19th March 2020 general election, of which 17 are women (6%). A total of 50 political parties, and 55 independent candidates (19.1%) were registered in the lead up to elections. Unfortunately, following the announcement of election results, no women were elected.
A snap election was held on 13 October 2022, due to the early dissolution of Parliament. Eight female candidates contested the election. One women was successful, Hon Gloria Julia King, the first woman elected since 2008. A snap election was held on 16 January 2025. Seven female candidates contested the election. One women was successful, Hon Marie Louis Milne.
Past National Women MPs
Hon Hilda Lini
Party: VU and NUP
Term: 1987-1996
Electorate: Port Vila
Province: N/A
Political Status: Various ministerial portfolios
Hon Isabelle Donald
Party: Vanua'aku Pati
Term: 2002-2008
Electorate: Epi
Province: Shefa
Political Status: Member of Parliament
Hon Julia King
Party: UMP
Term: 2022-2025
Electorate: Mele
Province: Port Vila
Political Status: Former MP
Hon Leinavao Tasso
Party: Vanua'aku Pati
Term: 2004-2008
Electorate: Epi
Province: Shefa
Political Status: Minister for Education (2007-8) & MP
Hon Maria Crowby
Party: UMP
Term: 1987-91
Electorate: Port Vila
Province: N/A
Political Status: Member of Parliament
Hon. Eta Rory
Party: Vanuatu Republican Party
Term: 2008-2012
Electorate: Malekula
Province: N/A
Political Status: Former Minister of Agriculture
Current Sub-National Women MPs
No Women MPs