Vanuatu will hold a snap general election, just two years after the most recent one, following the dissolution of the 13th National Parliament.

The Electoral Commission has announced that preparations for the election have begun, in accordance with the Constitution, specifically Sub-Article 28 (4), which outlines the timeline for snap elections. The dissolution instrument was issued on November 18, triggering the requirement that the election must take place within 30 to 60 days.

The Electoral Commission held its first meeting on November 19 to discuss the upcoming election. Edward Kaltamat, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, informed VBTC News that the Commission will proceed with the election process as mandated by the Constitution.

“The election date will be determined based on constitutional guidelines and available resources,” said Mr. Kaltamat.

The former opposition group is seeking to challenge the President’s decision in court. A senior Officer of the State House has confirmed to VBTC News that the State House is aware of the opposition’s plans but declined to comment further.

Government sources told VBTC News that the Council of Ministers requested the dissolution due to increasing instability caused by factions within both the government and opposition parties. This marks the second dissolution signed by the current President, after failed attempts by political leaders to maintain unity.

The total cost of the upcoming snap election remains unclear. However, in the 2022 snap election, the Electoral Commission spent approximately 150 million vatu, with individual candidates also covering their own expenses. Political leaders will now need to secure additional funding to support their candidates and reconnect with voters.