More than 31,000 registered voters residing in Port Vila are expected to cast their ballots tomorrow, 26 August, to elect a new Municipal Council for the capital.

The election comes after a period of significant challenges for Port Vila, including the ongoing recovery from the December 2024 earthquake and growing concerns among residents over roads, traffic, youth engagement, education, health, the cost of living and safety.

A total of 54 candidates are contesting 17 council seats across five wards, with voters expected to consider the promises made during the campaign before choosing their representatives for the next four years.

The candidates include 35 men and 19 women, representing nine political parties and four independent candidates.

The Union of Moderate Parties has fielded the highest number of candidates with 12, followed by the Vanua’ku Pati with seven. The Green Confederation, Graon mo Jastis Pati and Reunification Movement for Change have each fielded six candidates.

The Rural Development Party has five candidates, while the Leaders Party Vanuatu has four, along with four independent candidates. The National United Party has three candidates, while the Vanuatu National Progressive Party has one.

What are candidates promising?

Throughout the campaign, candidates and political parties have promoted policies focused on good governance, accountability and development within Port Vila.

Youth engagement has also featured prominently, with candidates highlighting the need for more activities and opportunities for young people.

Other campaign issues include improving services, strengthening the city’s infrastructure and creating a safer and more developed capital.

However, some voters have questioned whether the promises being made during the municipal campaign are within the powers of the council to deliver.

What do voters want to see?

For many Port Vila residents, the election is about more than choosing councillors.

Residents want to see improvements to the city following the damage caused by the December 2024 earthquake, particularly because Port Vila remains a major centre for employment, health, education and other essential services.

Road conditions, traffic management and pedestrian safety are among the concerns raised by residents, with some comparing Port Vila’s infrastructure with developments in Luganville.

Youth disengagement is another major concern, with some young people out of school and unemployed and vulnerable to involvement in drugs and crime.

Residents have also raised concerns about the high cost of living and the difficulty many families face in securing adequate housing.

Education, including concerns around literacy and numeracy and the teaching of Vanuatu’s history, is another issue voters want leaders to address.

What happens after the election?

The new councillors will face the challenge of turning campaign promises into practical policies and securing the budget and support needed to implement them.

The Port Vila CBD Concept Plan, launched in July 2025, sets out a vision for a more resilient and culturally vibrant city following the earthquake.

The plan forms part of broader efforts to create a safer and more liveable Port Vila where families can prosper, businesses can grow and the city’s cultural identity can be maintained.

For voters, tomorrow’s election is therefore not only about choosing councillors for the next four years. It is also an opportunity to decide which candidates they believe can best represent their concerns and help shape the future of the capital.

With 54 candidates competing for 17 seats, the final decision now rests with the voters.