Owen Hall, Vanuatu – Today, November 28, 2024, the registration of political parties officially began under the new Political Parties Act No. 15 of 2023. This is the first time such a registration process has been implemented in Vanuatu.

Care Taker Minister of Internal Affair, Andrew Solomon Napuat, announced the launch during an event attended by various political party leaders. He explained that the law requires political parties to register with the Vanuatu Electoral Office before they can field candidates in elections. This step aims to promote political integrity, good governance, and financial transparency.

Napuat urged all existing and new political parties to participate in the registration process. He emphasized that their involvement is important for strengthening the political system and encouraging citizen participation.

The registration is open now and will close on December 9, 2024. A screening committee, which includes representatives from the state law office and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission, will review the applications to ensure they meet the legal criteria.

The Care Taker Minister concluded by officially declaring the registration process open, encouraging political parties to take this opportunity to register.