Port Vila, 30-01-2025 – The Vanuatu Law Reform Commission (VLRC) congratulates the Vanuatu Electoral Commission (VEC) on the successful execution of the 2025 Snap Elections, which have seen a significant improvement in voter turnout. This increase marks a positive shift, especially considering the trend of declining participation observed in previous elections.

While the VLRC celebrates this success, it also recognizes that the reasons behind fluctuations in voter turnout remain unclear, as there has been no formal research conducted to understand the underlying causes. A study focused on this issue would be a valuable step in addressing the challenge and ensuring continued improvements in voter engagement.

Despite the increase in voter turnout, the VLRC suggests that the VEC consider the introduction of out-of-constituency voting. This proposal would allow registered voters residing in urban centers such as Port Vila and Luganville – who may not feel a strong connection to their constituencies of origin – the option to cast their votes either in their current location or their constituency of origin.
The VLRC highlights the five constituencies with the lowest voter turnout in the 2025 Snap Elections:

The five constituencies with the highest voter turnout were:

The overall national voter turnout stands at approximately 70.48%. However, voter engagement remains notably lower in urban areas like Port Vila and Luganville. This is largely due to the high number of migrants from other constituencies who reside in these cities, primarily for educational or employment purposes. These voters often maintain a strong connection to their constituencies of origin but may feel disengaged from the voting process in their new locations.

The VLRC believes that allowing out-of-constituency voting would address this issue and provide a more equitable and accessible voting process for all citizens. Currently, voters in places like Noumea are allowed to vote in Port Vila's constituency, yet those living and working in Port Vila or Luganville have no such option to vote in their home constituencies. This disparity needs to be rectified to ensure all registered voters are given a fair opportunity to participate.

Introducing out-of-constituency voting would have several benefits:
1.    Reduction of Proxy Voting: This practice, which can be easily abused, would be less prevalent with more accessible voting options.
2.    Increased Voter Turnout: Voters who may be disillusioned with voting in urban centers would be more motivated to participate if they could vote in their home constituencies.
3.    Improved Representation: Voters would feel more connected to their representatives, potentially strengthening the relationship between urban voters and their constituencies of origin.
4.    Equality in Voting: Every registered voter would have the same right to vote in their home constituency, ensuring no one is treated as a second-class citizen.

The VLRC also suggests practical solutions to implement this system, including setting up designated ballot boxes for each constituency at locations such as Independence Park in Port Vila and Unity Park in Luganville, where voters could choose to vote either in their urban center or their home constituency.

In conclusion, while the 2025 Snap Elections have seen a positive increase in voter turnout, the VLRC urges the VEC to consider innovative solutions, such as out-of-constituency voting, to further increase voter participation. Additionally, further research into the reasons behind voter apathy in urban centers is crucial to ensuring a more inclusive and engaging electoral process in the future.
For more information, please contact: Lawson Samuel at VLRC on 7745248.