Vanuatu
The tiny archipelago nation of Vanuatu, one of the Lesser Developed nations of the South Pacific, has general elections which have not yet come fully of age. In the 83 tropical islands, computerized elections are still a long way off.
Voting day was an official public holiday, but with its ancient tradition of doing as the village chief says, many of the villagers cast their votes at the say so of the chief. Other voters turned up to vote, with legal voting cards, only to be turned away, some in anger and disappointment. Their names 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. It will be at least another two or three weeks before there are clear results of the election. Talks have already started between potential partners, aiming to form the new government. The party leaders have no choice but to wait anxiously in the wings, for the job of Prime Minister is still up for grabs.
Nakamals are custom pubs where the local kava is served to the men. They will now become the sparring rings of the political power-brokers. Several versions of the proposed coalition are already being toted around.
The Old Guard:
While most other nations have been under pressure through coups in recent years, Vanuatu is one of the most stable nations of the South Pacific. This will remain the case, in spite of the fact that the general elections will necessitate the forming of a coalition. It would seem that some of the old guard have not been returned to 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 arrive on the political scene, there may be many who will be delighted to join Willie's celebration.
As in all politics worldwide, there are those in the ranks who plan to take on the role of the mercenary. The charismatic politician who says or does 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.
Some of the newcomers are taking on the role of managers. They feel their sole responsibility is to try to execute, plan and finish projects, in spite of island time. They believe nothing will be accomplished without their effort.
Among the old guard, in particular, we see those who act in the role of monarch. They firmly believe they are the embodiment of supreme power. They see their lofty position as their kingly right. Maybe it is because of their length of service, or it may be simply the wan-tok system (who you are related to)?
Alchemist:
The popular British TV comedy series, 'Yes Minister,’ perfectly captured the role of the Alchemist, the Director General.
Vanuatu, the Happiest Country on Earth, is lucky in that it has a strong team of alchemists, behind the political scene. In the confusion of the coming weeks, as politicians shuffle, jostle, manipulate and generally power-broke positions, the DGs stand firmly in their place. They are not voted for and are usually seen only as shadowy figures in the background, frequently flanking the voted-in minister. They are the real power behind the political throne. Their guidance and manoeuverings are felt at every level. They are the stability of any nation, as they have to take the middle ground, as no matter which politician suffers defeat or victory, the DGs press on.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
