/24-7PressRelease/ - PORT VILA, VANUATU, 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 said. 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 the votes continue to be counted, the true battle for leadership is just beginning, as no one political party has gained an absolute majority. The results of the election are far from complete and may remain so for a further two to three weeks. Discussions have already begun between potential partners, in an attempt to form the new government. Party leaders wait anxiously in the wings. 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:
While most other South Pacific nations have suffered coups in recent years, Vanuatu is one of the most stable nations in the area. This will remain the case, in spite of the fact that the latest elections will necessitate the forming of a coalition. It would appear that the halls of power have lost some of the old guard. Jimmy Willie says "I am throwing a party tomorrow to celebrate the end of my 25 years in politics." As new faces hit the political scene, there may be many who will 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.
Among the newcomers there are the single-minded missionaries, out to convert everyone to their way of thinking. The may well become blinded by the brilliance of their own vision and will be seen in the halls of power, hiding behind a pair of designer sunglasses.
Other politicians are taking on the role of managers, feeling it is their sole responsibility to try to plan, execute and close projects, in spite of island time. They firmly believe nothing will get done without their effort.
Among the old guard, in particular, we see those who will act as 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 it may simply be the 'wan-talk-system' (who you are related to).
Alchemist:
The role of the Alchemist, the Director General, was clearly captured in the popular British TV comedy series, 'Yes Minister.'
Vanuatu is fortunate in that it has a strong team of alchemists. Behind all the confusion of the coming weeks, as politicians shuffle, jostle, manipulate and generally power-broke positions, the DGs stay firmly in place. They never get voted in and usually appear as shadowy figures in the background, frequently flanking the voted-in minster. They are the true 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.
About YouMe Support Foundation
Dr Wendy Stenberg Tendys and her husband Rick are CEO of YouMe Support Foundation (http://youmesuport.org). They are offering Seachange Lodge (http://seachangelodge.com) as a world first Blue Moon Internet Raffle, to raise funds for non-repayable high school education grants for children in the outer islands of Vanuatu. Their project is well worth a few minutes of your time.
http://winaresort.com
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- blue, elections, general, islands, lodge, moon, opportunity, pacific, seachange, south, tropical, vanuatu
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