5 Jul 2004

Preparations going well for Vanuatu's general elections

3:15 pm on 5 July 2004

Preparations are almost complete for Vanuatu's general elections which are being held tomorrow.

More than 220 candidates are standing for the 52 seats.

There's been an increase in the number of independents contesting the elections but it's the parties which are predicted to be the ones which will do the best, due to their high profile leaders.

Our correspondent, Len Garae, says people are looking forward to voting.

"Over 100 police officers have been sent out to the islands to be present at the polling stations, to make sure that laws are kept. And, here in Port Vila, it's pretty quiet. The candidates have all done their campaigns and campaigning stopped midnight on Saturday, and the people are looking forward to the polls."

Len Garae says the prime minister Edward Natapei's Vanuaaku party should do well because it's teamed up with a former breakaway faction, the National United party.