13 May 2019

Vanuatu seats re-jigged prior to 2020 election

7:13 pm on 13 May 2019

Vanuatu's Electoral Commissioner has announced two constituency changes for the 2020 General Election.

Martin Tete said the number of seats in the Efate Rural constituency would increase by one to four, while the urban Port Vila constituency drops from six to five.

The Daily Post newspaper reported the move came in response to long-standing calls for increased representation in the rural constituency.

However the changes have been criticised by former prime minister and founder of the Melanesian Progressive Party Barak Sope, who said it was unfair at a time when the population of urban Port Vila was growing fast.

Mr Tete said the transfer of a seat from Urban Port Vila to Efate Rural has been approved by the Council of Ministers.