THIS IS THE FIRST 2016 newsletter issue of Transparency International Vanuatu’s. The new design embroidered into this issue has been made to make your reading interesting and informative. Accessible links to online resources have also been added to make your reading resourceful.
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THE DEMAND FOR CHANGE has always been on the voters list, and just by looking at the unofficial results from the snap election major changes have already happened for party compositions with some parties losing numbers while others gain more. The assurance of changes by the successful candidates have yet to be seen, but the atmosphere seems to have changed and the political spectrum for the next four years will be an interesting one to monitor.
The Snap Election of 22 January 2016 was expected to be a showdown between the political power-houses in Vanuatu while general light expectations was felt for the independent candidates. However, the independent candidates proved this conception wrong and were warmly embraced by the voters for their caliber and vision.
The major hurdles of the previous year had pushed for more emphasis on integrity and corruption as a political platform, with this same sentiment voters at large rallied for changes within the system.
From an observation point of view, voter participation looks to have improved. However, without an accurate electoral roll it would be unwise to claim that there has been a factual increase, thereby denying us the prompt opportunity to declare that a change has occurred. A calculative change at present is found in the numerical difference when the number of winning voters of 2012 is compared with the number of winning voters (unofficial counts) of 2016.
Unofficial results show that voters that have successfully elected representatives for the new legislature has increased by 4,305 voters, thus totaling 47,609 voters.
Coincidentally, it may be evident that the decrease in the number of candidates that contested the Snap Election may be the cause of this slight increase in the number of winning votes. Candidate numbers decreased by 24 percent from the 345 candidates that contested the 2012 General Election.
Thoughts provided by random individuals say that change is finally here, however to think that way may still be premature because the successful candidates have yet to fulfil their parliamentary obligations with impact. Most of the Members of Parliament have three roles to perform while in office; that of a parliamentarian, constituency representative, and party member.
The leading candidates from the snap election, especially the newcomers, are expected to be a thriving force. The experience, the wealth of knowledge, and the passion that will enter the 11th legislature looks fruitful.
Over the last couple of years a lot of opinion has been raised regarding candidate criteria, specifically on individual academic qualifications and personal achievements. Clearly, according to unofficial results, it looks like the voters have become more practical in expressing their leadership choices.
According to unofficial results, the 11th legislature of parliament will include at least three lawyers, a medical doctor, a trade unionist, Masters and Degree certificate holders, former senior public servants, businessmen, and including very vibrant community leaders.
The people of Vanuatu deserve good and honest development, this was the message that was delivered by candidates during their campaigns when they preached for change. Anti-corruption was a particular prime topic for several of the campaign teams. Will they fulfill their campaign assurances? Only time will tell. But whatever happens we must continue to fight the good fight, and we must continue to provide the necessary support for our Members of Parliament.
This few post-election changes happened because the voters said so, and more is yet to come in the next four years. And if things do not turn out the way you expected you always have that right to demand from your elected representative a valid explanation.
If you are interested to know more about the role of Members of Parliament please visit the Transparency International Vanuatu office or call us at 25715. Email: transparency@vanuatu.com.vu
NOW THAT WE have 52 members of Parliament being elected as per the un-official result, voters are now expecting their candidates or political party to adhere to their campaign messages and promises.
Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) went around and spoke to several voters about what they expect from their elected candidates. A male youth, aged 23, told TIV that he was happy with his vote in the snap election because he chose a right person. A person who is qualified and believes will voice his concerns in the parliament.
“I voted for a Graon mo Jastis Pati (GJP) candidate who was among the leading candidates in the snap election. I just want to remind my candidate that when you are in the parliament please do not forget the people who voted for you,” the youth said.
The 23 year old also explained that “when you are there in parliament, please do continue to come down to the community sometimes and visit us, see our needs and support us in developing our community.”
“I want you to treat us all like we expect you to,” the youth said.
Another female youth of 28 years old, who also voted for a Graon mo Jastis Pati candidate said she is looking up to her candidate in the next four years time.
“Our livelihood this next four years depends on the decisions that you will make,” she said.
“I believe people with high qualifications will make a change in the next four years. Therefore I just want to congratulate and encourage that the good works be continued to promote accountability in leadership” she explained.
This female youth continued to say that “since your (GJP) policies are about Lands and Justice we ask you to consider the impacts any land regulations may have on custom land owner lands before passing bills in the parliament. Also justice must always prevail like what we have seen in 2015 where 14 members of parliament were jailed for bribery. People were satisfied to see that justice was served, and that should be maintained.”
TIV also met a 70 year old male from the Island of Ambae who voted proxy in his home Island.He said his candidate contested under the Nagriamel Party.
When TIV asked him if he was satisfied with his proxy vote he responded with a big smile on his face, “Yes I am happy because when the unofficial results were released, my candidate was one of the names who won.”
He continued to say that “it is important for our candidate to think about people at the grassroots level. Pay regular visits to us in the community and help us with our needs to develop our communities in the Island. Also, if you happen to secure a portfolio in the government, always remember the people. Do notbe like the past MPs who never came to our home Island to visit us but would only visit during election campaign periods.”
In addition, a mother of two kids living at Freswota Four area told TIV that MP salaries and employee’s salaries must both be reconsidered.
“Cut down MPs salaries, increase MP allocation, increase minimum wages for employees both private and government and help provide more job opportunities,” she said.
The mother also suggested that all government households should be repaired and rented out to generate more government revenue.
Also, “since my candidate is a lawyer belonging to the Union of Moderate Party (UMP), he should make a law that will require MPs who want to join another party must formally resign. And then they must apply to join another party,” she added.
Moreover, TIV also spoke to two Ifira boatmen aged 34 and 23. They were proud to have casted their votes for a Labor Party candidate who is among the leading candidates in the unofficial results.
“We are very happy with our votes. And now that he will be securing a seat in the parliament we just ask him to work on his policies and that they are fulfilled” they said.“And He must not neglect the grass root level people, this is very important,” one of them pointed out.
Furthermore, a Vanua’Ku Party (VP) voter, who is a 60 years old elderly man, told TIV that he wants his candidate to concentrate on developing communities and not fill up supporter’s pockets.
“The candidate that I voted for in Vila won his seat and he belongs to Vanua’Ku Party. My message to him is clear: do not give or accept any form of bribery; concentrate on developing community services, do not fill supporters’ pockets improve urban health services in Vila so that Vila Central Hospital can concentrate on dealing with referred or serious cases only; and last but not the least VP must have a youth wing so that transitional planning can be encouraged. It will help ease the handover of power from the old politicians to the young leaders,” the 60 year old voter said.
With regards to the role of an MP, the Vanuatu Parliament website explains it clearly. According to the site most MP’s are viewed as “having three roles that of a parliamentarian, constituency representative, and party member.”
If you are interested to know more about the role of Members of Parliament please visit the Transparency International Vanuatu office or call us at 25715. Email: transparency@vanuatu.com.vu
WATCH: Voters share their opinions from the island of Santo.
Is it corruption when a political camp feeds the whole community? Or when bags of second hand clothing are delivered to communities by a contesting candidate?
Reports of questionable acts by several candidates who contested this snap election surfaced from around the islands of Vanuatu. Several incidents of questionable acts informed to Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) by citizenry observers identify as bribery, gift giving, and treating. All of this acts are labeled as corruption under the Representation of the Peoples Act.
In one particular report a candidate was said to be distributing copper roofing’s to households during the night, and in another report a shipment of bags of rice, cartons of canned fish and bales of sugar were delivered to the supporters of a candidate on one island.
Furthermore, information received from an advocator against corruption claim that an amount of around VT300, 000 was allegedly given to a provincial councilor by a former member of parliament.
Also reported was that some political supports were going around to pay voting cards at the price of VT3, 000 to VT4, 000.
On 19 January, which was the last the day for the campaigns, information received by Transparency International Vanuatu claimed that a candidate was planning to host a ‘Pablik kakae’ as part of their campaign rally. A public feasting would of course fall well under the offence of Treating.
Treating happens when political parties and candidates provide foods and drinks to people who come and listen to their campaign. It means paying for a voter’s kava or food for the purpose of influencing the voter to vote in ones favor, this is an offence under the Representation of the People’s Act.
Also received was an allegation that a certain candidate had given VT10, 000 to pay food at a children’s party. Furthermore, reports surfaced alleging that a candidate had bought cattle and materials to give to a group.
Moreover, a candidate reportedly used a donor-funded project that cost over four million vatu as propaganda for his campaign while a school was closed, and was promised only to reopen, if a certain candidate was voted by the students’ parents.
The last two weeks of election campaigning has so far raised a lot of questionable acts to ponder on, however in most areas contacted the perspective was different with one observer stating that “this area is clean,” meaning activities like bribery, treating and exedra have not been heard of since the start of the election campaigning period on 5 January.
The allegations of corruption contained in this story have been provided by ordinary citizens from around Vanuatu who are tired of corruption. They have been advised to properly record these corrupt activities and to report them to the appropriate authority to investigate.
Transparency International Vanuatu is available to assist any corruption complaints from members of the public specifically during this election period.
Other related stories:
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL VANUATU undertook a desk-based research on voter turnout in Vanuatu between 1983 and 2012 and noticed that the voter turnout has been decreasing over the years.
In 1983 there were 59, 712 registered voters and 44, 726 people had cast their votes; this means that around 75 per cent of voters voted during the 1983 general election.
In 1987, the voter turnout increased by eight per cent, which means that 83 percent of registered voters had cast their votes during the 1987 general election.
In 1998 voter turnout proved to be the lowest of all national elections at only 38%, however the figures slowly increased over the years and by 2008 voter turnout climaxed at 70 percent.
Unfortunately, the 2008 turnout could not hold as a baseline and eventually the numbers dropped down to 63 percent. Although the number of registered voters increased from 59,717 to 192,632 only 121, 792 people voted during the 2012 general elections.
The recent snap election official voter turnout is yet to be released by the Electoral Office.
Voter Turnout Since 1983
(Source of Info: Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance)
| Year | Voter Turnout | Total vote | Registration | VAP Turnout | Voting age population | Population | Invalid votes |
| 2012 | 63.22% | 121,792 | 192,632 | 85% | 143,293 | 256,155 | 1.30% |
| 2008 | 70.38% | 107,002 | 152,043 | 82.78% | 129,255 | 230,820 | 1.40% |
| 2004 | 68.58% | 91,551 | 133,497 | 79.30% | 115,450 | 205,754 | 1.20% |
| 2002 | 63.47% | 80,657 | 127,069 | 74.18% | 108,735 | 192,910 | 1.80% |
| 1998 | 39.87% | 42,778 | 107,297 | 47.63% | 89,820 | 186,277 | 0.10% |
| 1995 | 72.44% | 76,522 | 105,631 | 78.60% | 97,362 | 169,000 | 0.60% |
| 1991 | 71.30% | 62,527 | 87,695 | 70.69% | 88,458 | 153,000 | |
| 1987 | 83% | 58,100 | 70,000 | 69.30% | 83,833 | 145,000 | |
| 1983 | 74.90% | 44,726 | 59,712 | 62.39% | 71,692 | 124,000 | 0.10% |
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL VANUATU (TIV) calls on all candidates in the upcoming elections to act with integrity and support the rule of law.
“Citizens of Vanuatu should be able to vote on 22 January knowing that the election will be free and fair and that the candidates will commit to transparency and accountability,” said Dr Tokon, Chairman of Transparency International Vanuatu.
TIV encourages future Members of Parliament to work with civil society to build greater civic awareness and to ensure all the citizens are empowered and informed to fully participate in their civic responsibilities.
Vanuatu’s political system requires substantial reforms in order to be both representative and responsible to its citizens. The future government must, as a first priority, take action to:
On electoral processes, TIV is also calling on the next governments to ensure the integrity of the electoral system by verifying the electoral roll, preferably through a computerized voting system, to ensure that voters are correctly identified at polling stations.
The Representation of the People Act must revised, based on feedback received from elections observer reports dating back to 2002. Reforms should include a review of the electoral cards and proxy voting system, which today is open to abuse and a review of provisional voting procedures. There should also be a debate on whether voting should be compulsory and whether there should be a set time-frame for parliament to decide electoral petitions.
FOLLOWING AN INVITATION by the Government of Vanuatu to the Commonwealth Secretariat a Commonwealth Observer Group was dispatched and are currently in Vanuatu to observe in the upcoming snap election on 22 January 2016.
The Commonwealth Observer Team is led by the former Prime Minister of the Bahamas Mr. Hubert Ingraham. “Members of our Group were selected from across the Commonwealth, and include political, election, media and gender experts,” stated Mr. Hubert upon their arrival in Vanuatu last week.
Mr. Hubert Ingraham (Source: www.thenassauguardian.com)
“Our mandate is to observe the electoral process and consider the factors that could impinge on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole. This includes observing the pre-election environment, polling day, and the post-election period,” Mr. Hubert explained.
Since their arrival in Vanuatu the Commonwealth observers have held briefings with a wide range of people. On Monday this week they met with officers from Transparency International Vanuatu to learn more about the work of Transparency International Vanuatu especially during election periods.
Today, 20 October, the Commonwealth Observer Group will be deployed to Santo, Tanna, Efate and around Port Vila to observe the pre-election environment. “We will observe whether the elections have been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Vanuatu has committed itself, including the country’s constitutional framework and national legislation as well as Commonwealth and other international commitments. We will be objective, independent and impartial,” Mr. Hubert pointed out.
“We will issue an interim statement of key findings shortly after the election. A final report will be prepared in Vanuatu prior to our departure on 25 January. It will be submitted to the Secretary-General, who will forward it to the Government of Vanuatu, the Electoral Commission, leaders of political parties, and thereafter to all Commonwealth Governments. It will also be made available to members of the public.”
“This is a significant election for the people of Vanuatu in view of recent developments and the constant political challenges in the country. The Commonwealth attaches the highest importance to the conduct of credible and peaceful elections as a means of giving the citizens an opportunity to choose their leaders and to hold them accountable. I urge all the citizens of Vanuatu, in particular the women and youth, to participate in this election, and to play their part to ensure the process is peaceful, inclusive and transparent,” encouraged Mr. Hubert.
The Commonwealth Charter ‘recognizes the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through free and fair elections in shaping the society in which they live.’
Also observing are teams from other regional institutions including the Pacific Islands Secretariat. Transparency International Vanuatu Observer Teams will not be physically participating in this election but will continue to observe through already established networks around Vanuatu.
Click here to read the full statement by the Commonwealth Observer Group.
Picture Source: The Commonwealth Twitter Account
“LET US MAKE USE OF LESSONS LEARNT. Do not give or accept bribes,” Dr. Tokon, Chairperson of Transparency International Vanuatu said, “we have gone through a lot at the end of last year and most Ni-Vanuatu who follow politics saw the result of giving and accepting bribes.” Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) reminds political parties, political supporters and candidates contesting the snap election to respect the electoral regulations that prohibit corruption activities.
WATCH: Voters share their opinions from the island of Santo.
Voters must be aware of corrupt activities that are likely to occur during this period. After the dissolution of parliament all forms of gift giving by candidates should have stopped, the Representation of the Peoples Act explains clearly the rules to be followed during this period including the penalties of corrupt acts.
It is natural to think of political corruption when we think of elections. People or organizations with their own agendas can twist voting, they can secretly give parties big donations. This particular factor is being raised as a policy platform by several candidates in this 2016 general election.
Voters need also to bear in mind the major upheavals of 2015 before making their final decision, or even before agreeing to partake in activities that are considered unlawful by the laws of Vanuatu.
Think long-term and not short term. Vanuatu has been challenged by rough seas in the last couple of months. We have agonized through political instability, we have witnessed first-hand the bribery case that made many question the integrity of Vanuatu. Even more important we have felt the desire to be free from instability, we prayed for the country to be governed rightfully and to be free from corruption. Voters, finally we have our hands on the wheels, it is our turn to make the decision. This opportunity comes once every four years, so please vote wisely.
Corruption during election periods is not just about the pulling of string behind the scenes, but it can lead politicians in office to navigate away from good governance. And for those who have received donations from businesses their decisions will most likely benefit those who fund them. As a result the public interest becomes second priority.
This means an ethical line has been crossed. Governments cannot act freely and the real democracy cannot function. Our trust in politicians is smashed and we can easily turn away from involvement with how we are governed, and for some of us we simply decide not to vote.
It is therefore important for us to be reminded there is a legislation that prohibits corruption during election campaigns.
The Representation of People’s Act (RoPA) prohibits personation, bribery, treating and undue influence during and after election, the Act also outlines the penalties of the corrupt practices;
Personation
The first of the corrupt acts outlined in the Representation of the Peoples Act is Personation. Personation happens when a voter uses other people’s cards to vote during elections.
Article 44 of this Act states that “a person commits the offence of personation if he votes as some other person whether that other person is living or dead or is a fictitious person; or votes as proxy for a person whom he knows or has reasonable grounds for supposing to be dead or a fictitious person.”
This article forbids any person to vote as using another person’s card unless that person is voting as a proxy. This type of behavior is an act of corruption and therefore should not be practiced by voters, and especially political supporters who sometimes play hard to get the numbers for their candidate.
Voters who have eligible reasons to vote for another person are encouraged to apply for a proxy at the Electoral Office.
Bribery
Bribery is reportedly one of the most common corruption acts practiced by candidates and political supporters during election campaigns. It involved giving out money, food, materials in exchange for your vote. Furthermore, candidates promise their political supporters that if they win the election they will be given an employment position.
Voters have to be very careful when making decisions to vote. Let no man bribe you. Make the right decision and vote for the right people. Consider this; do not fall for bribes, your right to vote is priceless and cannot be bought.
Bribery is an offence under the Representation of the Peoples Act. Article 45 of the Act forbids the act of bribery in elections. “Any person must not directly or indirectly give, lend, offer, or make a promise of money to influence a voter’s choice. This article also prohibits any person from giving, agreeing to give, offering or making a promise of employment opportunity to influence voter’s decisions.”
Treating
Treating is another common corruption act that happens during election campaigns.
Today political parties and candidates provide foods and drinks to people who come and listen to their campaign. In Vanuatu’s case free kava has been reported to be a drink that is used to lure voters. Paying for a voter’s kava or food for the purpose of influencing him or her to vote in your favor is corruption and is an offence under the Representation of the People’s Act.
Article 46 of the Act forbids treating of voters to gain their votes. This means that political supporters, political parties or candidates contesting for an election must not give or provide any “food, drink or any entertainment for the purpose of corruptly influencing a person to vote for or refrain from voting.”
Undue influence
Undue influence is the act physically hurting someone or using force to gain votes for a candidate.
In Vanuatu undue influence is a reality. Physical force can be inflicted on partners and family members to gain votes. This type of behavior is an offence under article 47 of the Representation of the People’s Act.
Article 47 of the Act states that a “person commits the offence of undue influence if he directly or indirectly by himself or by any other person on his behalf makes use of or threatens to make use of any force, violence or restraint; or inflicts or threatens to inflict by himself or by any other person any temporal or spiritual injury, damage, harm or loss upon or against any person, in order to induce or compel that person to vote or refrain from voting, or on account of that person having voted or refrained from voting; or by abduction, duress or any fraudulent device or contrivance he impedes or prevents the free exercise of the franchise of a voter, or thereby compels, induces or prevails upon a voter either to vote or to refrain from voting.”
Meanwhile, just earlier this week there was an alleged undue influence incident that was posted on social media. It was alleged that two political supporters chased some girls after putting up posters of their candidate.
It is also important for citizens to act responsibly and to report to the appropriate authorities such incidents because they are unlawful.
Penalty for Corrupt Practices
The corrupt practices mentioned in this article are outline in the Representation of the Peoples Act Part 15 – Election Offences.
In article 48 the penalties for corrupt practices is explained, any “person convicted of a corrupt practice whether it be personation, bribery, treating or undue influence, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding VT 100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.”
Grass roots must be aware of these corruption activities and not fall into the trap.
From grassroots groups to big organizations, we all have a crucial role to play. We can monitor electoral campaigns and parties’ activities. If state resources are abused, we must report it. If corruption is committed, then we must report it. By speaking out, we can show that everyone gains from an honest election.
For further information regarding the definitions of the different types of corruption or on civic education matters please contact us at Transparency International Vanuatu Tel; 25715, Email: transparency@vanuatu.com.vu, P.O Box 355 Port Vila.
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