Vanuatu govt proposes election ban on foreign-born citizens
In a bold yet controversial move aimed at preserving national identity, Vanuatu’s government has proposed banning naturalised citizens from contesting parliamentary elections—a step laid out in their newly released 100-day action plan. Although senior government leaders have yet to publicly elaborate on the motivations behind this decision, the initiative has swiftly become a divisive issue, igniting passionate debates across the nation.
Vanuatu, since achieving independence under the inclusive leadership of its first Prime Minister Father Walter Lini, has traditionally championed political openness. Nevertheless, this recent proposal signals a significant shift, one that American-born MP Robert Bohn describes as “terribly regressive” and potentially detrimental to national cohesion. Bohn, one of only two naturalised citizens currently serving in parliament following last January’s snap election, stresses the irony that such a move occurs despite naturalised citizens being vastly outnumbered and dependent entirely on indigenous voters for election success.
The government’s justification, while brief and somewhat opaque, emphasises the preservation of national identity and the reinforcement of indigenous cultural representation in governance. This reasoning resonates strongly with certain segments of Vanuatu society. Youth leader George Worworbu asserts that protecting indigenous rights and interests justifies the exclusion of foreign-born citizens, framing it as essential to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security from external influences.
However, the proposal also faces significant opposition rooted in concerns about human rights and inclusivity. Jane Yatuka, President of Port Vila’s City Council of Women, argues that such a ban would contravene international human rights commitments previously ratified by Vanuatu. This sentiment echoes broader anxieties around the implications for Vanuatu’s progressive stance on civil rights and equality.
Meanwhile, Chief Paul Fred, Chairman of the Central Ward Council of Chiefs, advocates for a constitutional amendment to clearly delineate between the rights of naturalised and indigenous citizens before enforcing such restrictions. He warns that without clear constitutional adjustments, confusion and division within the citizenry could worsen, undermining national unity.
Historically, Vanuatu has debated but ultimately stepped away from similar measures, notably when Robert Bohn successfully defended his parliamentary seat in 2012 against a challenge to his eligibility. Bohn himself hopes that current proposals similarly recede without implementation.
As this policy unfolds within Prime Minister Jotham Napat’s administration, the Vanuatuan public remains deeply divided, confronting fundamental questions about identity, inclusion, and the nature of national citizenship.
