(1888PressRelease)
September 06, 2008 - In the tiny nation of Vanuatu, one of the Lesser Developed nations of the South Pacific, general elections have not quite come fully of age. Computerized elections are a long way off in the of 83 tropical islands. Voting day is a public holiday, but with its ancient heritage of doing things the chief’s way, many villagers felt compelled to cast their votes the as the chief Many voters turned up with legal voting cards, only to be turned away. Some reacted in anger and disappointment. Their name did not appear on the lists of registered voters. Deliberate or not, no one will ever know.
While many votes still remain to be counted, the real battle for leadership is just starting. No one political party has achieved an absolute majority.
Even though the results of the election will be far from complete, for at least two to three weeks, talks have already begun between potential partners, in order to form the new government. Party leaders wait anxiously in the wings, as the role of Prime Minister is still up for grabs.
Nakamals, the custom pubs where kava is served to the men, will be the unofficial sparring rings of the political power-brokers. Already several proposed versions of the coalition are being toted about.
The Old Guard:
Vanuatu, unlike other South Pacific nations has not suffered coups in recent years. Thus, it is one of the most stable nations of the area. This will remain the case, in spite of the fact that the elections will necessitate the forming of a coalition. It would appear that some of the old guard has not been voted back into the halls of power. Jimmy Willie says “I am throwing a party tomorrow to celebrate the end of my 25 years in politics.” As new faces fill the political scene, there may be many who will happily join Jimmy Willie in the celebration.
As in all political parties worldwide, there are those who are planning to take on the role of the mercenary. They are charismatic politicians, who say or do anything if the price is right.
There are also single-minded missionaries among the newcomers, determined to convert everyone to their way of thinking. They may become easily blinded by the brilliance of their own dreams. They walk the halls of power hiding behind a pair of designer sunglasses.
Others are preparing to take on the role of managers. They feel it is their sole responsibility to plan, execute and bring projects to completion, no matter the island nation moves at its own pace. These politicians firmly believe nothing will get done without their effort.
Among the old guard, in particular, we see those who act like a monarch. They believe they are the embodiment of supreme power. They see their lofty position as their kingly right. Perhaps it is because of their length of service, or simply the ‘wan-tok-system’ (who you are related to).
Alchemist:
The popular British TV comedy series, ‘Yes Minister,’ captured the role of the Alchemist, the Director General.
Vanuatu is fortunate in that it has a strong team of alchemists. Behind all the confusion of the coming weeks, as politicians jostle, shuffle, manipulate and generally power-broke for position, the DGs stay firmly entrenched. They don’t get voted for, but are the shadowy figures in the background, frequently flanking the voted-in minster. They are the power behind the political throne.
Their manoeuverings and guidance are felt at all levels, for they are the stability of any nation. They have to choose to stay in the middle ground, as no matter which politician suffers defeat or victory, the DGs carry on.
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