Released on: September 4, 2008, 8:13 pm

Press Release Author: lynthomas

Industry: Government

Press Release Summary: There is a struggle for power with the Prime Minister\'s job
still up for grabs. The old guard has been upset and the struggle in the new guard
begins.

Press Release Body: In the tiny archipelago nation of Vanuatu, one of the Lesser
Developed nations of the South Pacific, general elections have not yet come fully of
age. Computerized elections are still a long way off, in the 83 tropical islands.
Voting day is an official holiday, but with its ancient heritage of doing as the
village chief says, many villagers cast their votes at the say so of the chief.
Other voters turned up with legal voting cards, only to be turned away, as their
names did not appear on the lists of registered voters. Deliberate or not, no one
will ever know.

While the votes are still being counted, the true battle for position is only just
beginning. A clear majority has not been achieved by any of the parties.

Even though the results of the election will be far from complete for at least two
to three weeks, talks have already begun between potential partners, in order to
form the new government. Party leaders wait anxiously in the wings, as the role of
Prime Minister is still up for grabs.

Custom pubs, the Nakamals, where local kava is served to the men, will be unofficial
sparring rings of the political power-brokers. Already several proposed versions of
the coalition are being passed around.

The Old Guard:

It would appear that some of the old guard have not been voted back in. Jimmy Willie
says \"I am throwing a party to celebrate the end of 25 years in politics.\" As new
faces hit the political scene, there may be many who will join Willie in the
celebration.

Vanuatu, unlike other South Pacific nations has not suffered coups in recent years.
Thus, it is one of the most stable nations in the area. This will remain the case,
in spite of the fact that the elections will necessitate the forming of a coalition.
It would appear that some of the old guard have not been voted back into the halls
of power.

As with all political parties worldwide, there are those who feel they must take on
the role of the mercenary. They are charismatic and say or do anything if the price
is right.

In the ranks of newcomers there are also the single-minded missionaries, out to
convert everyone to what they believe. They are frequently blinded by the brilliance
of their own vision and are often seen walking the halls of power, behind a pair of
designer sunglasses.

Other are taking on the role of managers. They know it is their sole responsibility
to plan, execute and bring projects to completion, no matter the island nation moves
at its own pace. These politicians firmly believe nothing will get done without
their effort.

The old guard, in particular, has those who act as if they are a monarch. Maybe it
is because of their length of service, or simply the \'wan-tok-system\' (who you are
related to).They strongly believe they are the embodiment of supreme power. They see
their lofty position as their kingly right.

Alchemist:

The Director Generals fill a special role as an Alchemist, which 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 jostle, shuffle, manipulate and
generally power-broke for position, the DGs stay firmly entrenched. They don\'t get
voted for and are the shadowy figures in the background, frequently flanking the
voted for minster. They are the power behind the political throne.

Their manoeuverings and guidance are seen at all levels for they are the stability
of a nation. They must take the middle ground, as no matter which politician rises
or falls, the DGs have to carry on.


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