Australian Politics News

Australia Closely Eyes Vanuatu’s Election, Eager for a More Pro-Western Parliament

The Albanese government will be watching to see if the new Vanuatu Parliament has a more pro-Australian stance than its predecessor.
Australia Closely Eyes Vanuatu’s Election, Eager for a More Pro-Western Parliament
Australia will be hoping for the return of former Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau, seen here speaking during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in Port Vila on July 27, 2023. LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images
Rex Widerstrom
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The 52 seats in Vanuatu’s Parliament will be contested by 217 candidates in two days (Jan. 16), and the Albanese government will be watching the outcome closely, hoping that a more pro-Australian set of MPs emerges.

The date was moved back from Jan. 14 due to the Dec. 17 earthquake, which measured 7.3 and killed at least 14 people, injuring 265 others.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.