# 2016 Vanuatuan general election

General elections were held in Vanuatu on 22 January 2016. The previous elections occurred in October 2012. The president of Vanuatu, Baldwin Lonsdale, dissolved the Parliament of Vanuatu in November 2015. This occurred after the conviction of 14 parliamentarians for bribery. The convicted MPs include former Prime Ministers Serge Vohor and Moana Carcasses Kalosil. The president called for a snap election to form a new government.

## Background

Vanuatu has a unicameral parliament with 52 Members of Parliament. The people elect their members by voting for one candidate. In multi-member constituencies, Vanuatu uses the single non-transferable vote system and in single-member districts, first-past-the-post voting is used. Each parliamentarian holds office for a term of 4 years. In Vanuatu, there are eight single-member districts and nine multi-seat constituencies. The district magnitude of multi-seat constituencies has a range of two members to seven members for each constituency. Citizens elect the President of Vanuatu and the government elects the Prime Minister of Vanuatu.
Historically, the Vanuatuan government and society divided itself along linguistic lines. The Vanua'aku Party represented the Anglophone interests and the Union of Moderate Parties represented the Francophone interests. Over time the linguistic divide has diminished as Vanuatu established a stronger national identity post-independence. Party allegiances have become less strong as factions split and formed new political parties.
In recent years more than 30 parties have won seats in the Vanuatuan parliament. A ruling government needs to have a majority of parliamentarians to pass legislation and effectively rule. Consequently, coalitions are necessary to govern in Vanuatu. Coalitions often struggle to find a common legislative agenda to lead the nation which can be a cause of political instability. Following the 2012 Vanuatu election, there were five successive Cabinets of Vanuatu which were either formed after votes of no-confidence or after members had deserted the cabinet for the opposition.
Clientelism has been a problem in Vanuatuan politics since the country's independence in 1980. Often the lines between clientelism and corruption in Vanuatu have been ill-defined. The successful conviction of 14 MPs, including two former prime ministers, for bribery was one of the largest steps taken to combat corruption. The Supreme Court found that while in the opposition in 2014, former prime minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil bribed parliamentarians with 35 million vatu (US$300,000) to support a no-confidence motion. He then became deputy Prime Minister in Sato Kilman's Cabinet. The court convicted Carcasses and the other 13 parliamentarians, including the Speaker Marcellino Pipite, for offering and receiving bribes; they sentenced the MPs in November 2015 to three years in jail and banned them from public office for 10 years. As this verdict was delivered while President Lonsdale was out of the country, the speaker assumed the role of the president and issued pardons for all involved including himself. Lonsdale overturned the pardons when he returned to Vanuatu the following day. As several of the convicted parliamentarians were members of the Cabinet of Vanuatu, Prime Minister Sato Kilman was unable to effectively rule. Kilman was not able to form a new government - nearly 1/3 of MPs were in jail - which led to governmental gridlock causing the Parliament to be dissolved by the president. The traditional chiefs of Vanuatu - the Malvatumauri - called for calm during this process and asked that the people allow for the legal process to unfold, suggesting that their power is mostly ceremonial and is limited politically. Following this failure to form a new government, Lonsdale called a snap election for 22 January 2016.

## Campaign

The official campaign began on 5 January 2016. A total of 261 candidates contested the elections, including 68 independents and 193 representing 36 political parties. The convicted MPs were not permitted to run as one cannot run for office in Vanuatu if they have a criminal conviction. Candidates who could afford to pay for airtime dominated mainstream media during the campaign; social media played an important role in this election. Only 10 women contested seats in this election and youth engagement in the campaign and election appears to have increased from 2012 but remained low.

## Conduct

Polls opened throughout the country on 22 January at 7:30AM and closed at 4:30PM. To facilitate high turnout levels, the government declared the day a public holiday. Schools, churches and other public centers transformed into polling stations. The Commonwealth and the Melanesian Spearhead Group observed the election to ensure electoral integrity.
Both groups of international observers remarked that turnout was low. The process of voting in Vanuatu works as follows: People who are 18 and above can vote if they have a voter card. The details are verified twice with the citizen then given an envelope with a sheet with the name, picture and political party symbol on a piece of paper. Each candidate had a different colored sticky paper attachment. In the voting booth, the voter identifies their preferred candidate, rips off the corresponding piece of paper and puts it into the envelope. The envelope is then dropped into a ballot box. The voter then retrieves their voter card and their thumb is inked. Voters are also able to proxy vote for two others while they cast their own vote.
The election day was peaceful and orderly. Voters headed to the polls early. Women and youth turned out to vote in high numbers. The conduct at polling stations did not vary around the country, suggesting relatively sufficient following of electoral rules.
After the polls closed at 4:30PM, the workers at the polling stations counted the ballots. As Vanuatu employs the first-past-the-post system and the single non-transferable vote system, the process of counting the votes was straightforward. Each candidate's number of votes were tallied and sent to the independently run Vanuatu Electoral Commission who announced the winners for each parliamentary seat.
The Electoral Integrity Project, an academic group that aims to quantify the integrity of elections worldwide, studied Vanuatu's 2016 election. By asking experts on Vanuatuan politics to rank the integrity of various electoral issues, the group found that the election was generally fair and just. However, they also suggest in their rankings that voters may have been bribed and that some may have received cash for votes. It was found likely that politicians offered patronage to voters, confirming at least some clientelism in Vanuatuan politics.

## Results

As candidates only need to receive more votes than their competitor, all MPs were elected with 41% or less of the vote. All parties received less than 15% of the vote. The races were extremely tight – in the constituency of Paama, MP Fred William Tasso won his seat by seven votes. Multiple new political parties won seats in this Parliament and the percentage of votes roughly equaled the percentage of seats granted.
In the official results, the Melanesian Progressive Party obtained one seat at the Éfaté constituency; however, weeks later the Court ordered a recount of the ballots and awarded the disputed seat to the Land and Justice Party.
| | Vanua'aku Pati | 13,463 | 11.91 | 6 | –2 |
| | Union of Moderate Parties | 10,999 | 9.73 | 6 | +1 |
| | Land and Justice Party | 8,028 | 7.10 | 7 | +3 |
| | National United Party | 6,511 | 5.76 | 4 | 0 |
| | People's Progressive Party | 5,469 | 4.84 | 1 | –5 |
| | Iauko Group | 4,979 | 4.40 | 4 | +1 |
| | Vanuatu National Development Party | 4,942 | 4.37 | 2 | New |
| | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 4,234 | 3.74 | 1 | +1 |
| | Nagriamel | 4,128 | 3.65 | 3 | 0 |
| | Reunification Movement for Change | 3,887 | 3.44 | 3 | 0 |
| | Natatok Indigenous People's Democratic Party | 3,024 | 2.67 | 1 | –1 |
| | Green Confederation | 2,851 | 2.52 | 2 | –1 |
| | Leaders Party of Vanuatu | 2,459 | 2.17 | 1 | New |
| | Vanuatu Republican Party | 2,020 | 1.79 | 0 | –1 |
| | Vanuatu Labour Party | 1,780 | 1.57 | 1 | +1 |
| | Vanuatu Liberal Democratic Party | 1,565 | 1.38 | 0 | –1 |
| | Friend Melanesian Party | 1,465 | 1.30 | 1 | +1 |
| | Vanuatu National Party | 1,284 | 1.14 | 0 | –1 |
| | Unity for Change | 1,261 | 1.12 | 0 | New |
| | Hope Party | 1,180 | 1.04 | 0 | New |
| | People's Services Party | 1,032 | 0.91 | 1 | 0 |
| | Melanesian Progressive Party | 992 | 0.88 | 0 | –2 |
| | Moderate Alliance Party | 701 | 0.62 | 0 | New |
| | Vanuatu Progressive Development Party | 597 | 0.53 | 0 | –1 |
| | Vanuatu New Vision in Development Party | 447 | 0.40 | 0 | New |
| | Tafea Moderate Alliance | 429 | 0.38 | 0 | New |
| | Vanuatu Progressive Republican Farmer Party | 355 | 0.31 | 0 | New |
| | United Liberation Front | 327 | 0.29 | 0 | 0 |
| | Vanuatu Democratic Party | 327 | 0.29 | 0 | 0 |
| | Leaders Party for Change | 322 | 0.28 | 0 | New |
| | Vete Alliance | 306 | 0.27 | 0 | New |
| | Vemarana | 304 | 0.27 | 0 | 0 |
| | Vanuatu Family First Party | 211 | 0.19 | 0 | 0 |
| | Vanuatu Community Reform Party | 157 | 0.14 | 0 | New |
| | People's Action Party | 80 | 0.07 | 0 | 0 |
| | Vanuatu United and Equal Rights Part | 47 | 0.04 | 0 | New |
| | Vanuatu Democratic Alliance and Liberation Party for Change | 8 | 0.01 | 0 | 0 |
| | Independents | 20,904 | 18.49 | 8 | +4 |
| Total | Total | 113,075 | 100.00 | 52 | 0 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | 113,075 | 99.00 | | |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 1,141 | 1.00 | | |
| Total votes | Total votes | 114,216 | 100.00 | | |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 200,159 | 57.06 | | |
| Source: Extraordinary Gazette ||||||

### By constituency

Ambae :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Jacob Mata | Nagriamel | 720 | 14.64 |
| | Jay Ngwele | Iauko Group | 641 | 13.04 |
| | Alickson Vira | Natatok | 593 | 12.06 |
| | James Bule | National United Party | 505 | 10.27 |
| | Richard Mera | Vanua'aku Pati | 505 | 10.27 |
| | Peter Vuta [fr] | Vanua'aku Pati | 492 | 10.01 |
| | Hambert Toa | Independent | 436 | 8.87 |
| | Michael Liu | Liberal Democratic Party | 426 | 8.66 |
| | Steven Tahi | People's Progressive Party | 306 | 6.22 |
| | Delphine Mera | Green Confederation | 141 | 2.87 |
| | Jameson Gwero Bani | People's Services Party | 112 | 2.28 |
| | Dickinson Vusilai | Independent | 25 | 0.51 |
| | Nancy Bue Namoli | Vanuatu United and Equal Rights Party | 15 | 0.31 |
| Total | Total | Total | 4,917 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 4,917 | 99.19 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 40 | 0.81 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,957 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 8,414 | 58.91 |
Ambrym :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Bruno Leingkone | National United Party | 823 | 21.72 |
| | Albert Abel Williams | Land and Justice Party | 710 | 18.73 |
| | Peter Bong | Green Confederation | 656 | 17.31 |
| | Maki Simelum | Vanua'aku Pati | 534 | 14.09 |
| | Joshua Bong | Union of Moderate Parties | 498 | 13.14 |
| | Jossie Masmas [fr] | Vanuatu Republican Party | 292 | 7.70 |
| | Douglas L. Tangtang | People's Progressive Party | 273 | 7.20 |
| | Pierre David Dah | Vanuatu Community Reform Party | 4 | 0.11 |
| Total | Total | Total | 3,790 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 3,790 | 98.31 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 65 | 1.69 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,855 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 5,537 | 69.62 |
Banks :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Jack Wona | Vanuatu National Development Party | 717 | 27.81 |
| | Dunstan Hilton [fr] | People's Progressive Party | 677 | 26.26 |
| | Christopher Mackenzie | National United Party | 599 | 23.24 |
| | Batick Manusia | Natatok | 552 | 21.41 |
| | Victor Ron | Independent | 33 | 1.28 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,578 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,578 | 98.47 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 40 | 1.53 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,618 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 3,742 | 69.96 |
Efate :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Norris Kalmet | Union of Moderate Parties | 2,069 | 15.22 |
| | Joshua Kalsakau | Vanuatu Labour Party | 1,390 | 10.23 |
| | Jerry Kanas | Independent | 912 | 6.71 |
| | Gillion William | Land and Justice Party | 843 | 6.20 |
| | Nato Taiwia | Melanesian Progressive Party | 840 | 6.18 |
| | Matai Kalwatman Alista Noel | Independent | 811 | 5.97 |
| | Alfred Rollen Carlot | Natatok | 760 | 5.59 |
| | Pakoa Kaltonga | Vanua'aku Pati | 695 | 5.11 |
| | Michel Taravaki | People's Progressive Party | 682 | 5.02 |
| | Willie Tom Kalotuk | Reunification Movement for Change | 671 | 4.94 |
| | Jean Noel Anis Joseph | Vanuatu National Development Party | 593 | 4.36 |
| | Elmo Joseph | Vanua'aku Pati | 569 | 4.19 |
| | Michel Kalworai Kalnawi | Independent | 510 | 3.75 |
| | Ghislain Kaltack | Independent | 492 | 3.62 |
| | Manuel Carlot | Vanuatu Democratic Party | 291 | 2.14 |
| | Levi Ishmael Tarosa | Iauko Group | 289 | 2.13 |
| | Jean-Claude Kanegai | Vanuatu Progressive Development Party | 268 | 1.97 |
| | Markson Nibtik | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 263 | 1.94 |
| | John Batty Kaltakae | Vanuatu National Party | 187 | 1.38 |
| | Michel Ova Mokosei Taripakoa | Vanuatu National Party | 164 | 1.21 |
| | Yan Taho Dapang Amos | Independent | 113 | 0.83 |
| | Seule Tong | Vanuatu Community Reform Party | 88 | 0.65 |
| | Amos Guy Waiane | Vanuatu New Vision in Development Party | 56 | 0.41 |
| | Amos Tatangis Sheyrilld | Independent | 35 | 0.26 |
| Total | Total | Total | 13,591 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 13,591 | 98.84 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 160 | 1.16 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,751 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 30,479 | 45.12 |
Epi :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Isaac Daniel Tongolilu | Independent | 528 | 18.03 |
| | Seule Simeon | Union of Moderate Parties | 511 | 17.45 |
| | Makin Valia Rita | Land and Justice Party | 469 | 16.01 |
| | Isaac Hamarliu | People's Progressive Party | 415 | 14.17 |
| | John Nil | Vanuatu National Development Party | 322 | 10.99 |
| | Robert Bohn Sikol | Vanuatu National Development Party | 286 | 9.76 |
| | Elwyn Saling Ambata | Independent | 174 | 5.94 |
| | Toka Keven Joe | Vanua'aku Pati | 116 | 3.96 |
| | Bal Abel Nash | Reunification Movement for Change | 108 | 3.69 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,929 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,929 | 98.85 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 34 | 1.15 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,963 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 3,905 | 75.88 |
Luganville :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Matai Seremaiah [fr] | Independent | 1,818 | 31.11 |
| | Marc Ati | Iauko Group | 966 | 16.53 |
| | Antoine Pikioune | Nagriamel | 695 | 11.89 |
| | Kalvao Moli [fr] | Hope Party | 659 | 11.28 |
| | George Wells | National United Party | 642 | 10.99 |
| | Donald Restuetune | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 456 | 7.80 |
| | Charley Ulas | Union of Moderate Parties | 299 | 5.12 |
| | James Hinge | Independent | 160 | 2.74 |
| | Judah Siba | Independent | 85 | 1.45 |
| | Marie-Helene Barthelemy | Liberal Democratic Party | 63 | 1.08 |
| Total | Total | Total | 5,843 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 5,843 | 99.12 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 52 | 0.88 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,895 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 13,167 | 44.77 |
Maewo :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Ian Wilson | Independent | 1,239 | 66.26 |
| | Philip Boedoro | Vanua'aku Pati | 631 | 33.74 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,870 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,870 | 98.94 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 20 | 1.06 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,890 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 2,637 | 71.67 |
Malekula :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Sato Kilman | People's Progressive Party | 1,065 | 7.93 |
| | Esmon Saimon | Vanua'aku Pati | 1,018 | 7.58 |
| | Marcellino Barthelemy | Reunification Movement for Change | 818 | 6.09 |
| | Don Ken Stephen | People's Services Party | 718 | 5.34 |
| | Jerome Ludvaune | Union of Moderate Parties | 668 | 4.97 |
| | Sala John | Land and Justice Party | 663 | 4.93 |
| | Gracia Shadrack | Independent | 629 | 4.68 |
| | Daniel Nalet | Land and Justice Party | 608 | 4.53 |
| | Simeon Kaltalio | Vanua'aku Pati | 594 | 4.42 |
| | Barthelemy Tulili | Vanua'aku Pati | 536 | 3.99 |
| | Menzies Samuel Jack | Vanua'aku Pati | 515 | 3.83 |
| | John Terry | Green Confederation | 502 | 3.74 |
| | François Batick | Independent | 484 | 3.60 |
| | Mondine Romone | Independent | 421 | 3.13 |
| | Kalros Simeon | Vanua'aku Pati | 398 | 2.96 |
| | Tony Ata | Independent | 381 | 2.84 |
| | Dick Tete | People's Progressive Party | 378 | 2.81 |
| | Gordon Regenvanu | Natatok | 377 | 2.81 |
| | James Stephen | National United Party | 360 | 2.68 |
| | Kalros Karli | Independent | 336 | 2.50 |
| | Browny Donna Jeremiha | Vanuatu National Development Party | 283 | 2.11 |
| | Lazard Meltenekneim | Nagriamel | 250 | 1.86 |
| | Peter Manwo | Friend Melanesian Party | 250 | 1.86 |
| | David Manlau Lovis | Family First Party | 211 | 1.57 |
| | Willie Apia Masing | Vanuatu National Party | 207 | 1.54 |
| | Peter Onis | Independent | 188 | 1.40 |
| | Kisito Teilemb | Union of Moderate Parties | 187 | 1.39 |
| | Jeneck Patunvanu | Vanuatu National Party | 145 | 1.08 |
| | George Wesley Lapi | Unity for Change | 100 | 0.74 |
| | Rex Owen Issachar | Hope Party | 62 | 0.46 |
| | Fabien Malwersets | Vanuatu Republican Party | 45 | 0.33 |
| | Joel Niptik | Independent | 20 | 0.15 |
| | Timothy Nibtick | Reunification Movement for Change | 18 | 0.13 |
| | Jimmon Esmon | Melanesian Progressive Party | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total | Total | Total | 13,435 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 13,435 | 99.31 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 93 | 0.69 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,528 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 17,141 | 78.92 |
Malo–Aore :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Havo Molisale | Nagriamel | 892 | 37.65 |
| | Uri Warawara | Land and Justice Party | 835 | 35.25 |
| | Moulin Tabouti | Hope Party | 459 | 19.38 |
| | Jacktasi George | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 183 | 7.72 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,369 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,369 | 98.79 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 29 | 1.21 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,398 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 3,620 | 66.24 |
Paama :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Fred William Tasso [fr] | Land and Justice Party | 208 | 27.26 |
| | Andy Job Sam | Vanuatu National Development Party | 201 | 26.34 |
| | Morris James Manon | Iauko Group | 152 | 19.92 |
| | Johnny Albert Tomatelu | Vanua'aku Pati | 124 | 16.25 |
| | Glen Takau | People's Progressive Party | 56 | 7.34 |
| | Peter James H. | Independent | 11 | 1.44 |
| | Paul Avock Hungai | Natatok | 10 | 1.31 |
| | David Joel | Nagriamel | 1 | 0.13 |
| Total | Total | Total | 763 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 763 | 99.22 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 6 | 0.78 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 769 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 998 | 77.05 |
Pentecost :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Silas Bule | National United Party | 1,167 | 15.20 |
| | Charlot Salwai | Reunification Movement for Change | 861 | 11.21 |
| | Francois Chani Tabisal | National United Party | 711 | 9.26 |
| | Ham Lini | National United Party | 587 | 7.65 |
| | Richard Walsh Leona | Independent | 579 | 7.54 |
| | Bergmans Bebe Guru Molgogoi | Vanuatu Republican Party | 565 | 7.36 |
| | Salathiel Taribas | Reunification Movement for Change | 512 | 6.67 |
| | Russel Nari | Iauko Group | 477 | 6.21 |
| | Steven Sau | Union of Moderate Parties | 331 | 4.31 |
| | David Tosul | Land and Justice Party | 330 | 4.30 |
| | Jean Baptiste Saltukro | Independent | 311 | 4.05 |
| | Rolanson Bule Tor | Natatok | 288 | 3.75 |
| | Danstan Tate | Nagriamel | 229 | 2.98 |
| | Keithson Liu | People's Services Party | 202 | 2.63 |
| | Gabriel Gulgul Wareat | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 197 | 2.57 |
| | Vincent Boulekone [fr] | Green Confederation | 172 | 2.24 |
| | Joseph Rono | Independent | 121 | 1.58 |
| | Michael Tamata Siba | Vanuatu United and Equal Rights Party | 32 | 0.42 |
| | Norbert Sumsum | Moderate Alliance Party | 6 | 0.08 |
| Total | Total | Total | 7,678 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 7,678 | 98.25 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 137 | 1.75 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,815 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 12,402 | 63.01 |
Port Vila :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Kenneth Natapei | Vanua'aku Pati | 1,279 | 8.33 |
| | Ishmael Kalsakau | Union of Moderate Parties | 1,246 | 8.12 |
| | Ralph Regenvanu | Land and Justice Party | 1,154 | 7.52 |
| | Jean-Pierre Nirua [fr] | Independent | 1,148 | 7.48 |
| | Kalo Seule | Green Confederation | 1,039 | 6.77 |
| | Ephraim Kalsakau | Independent | 843 | 5.49 |
| | Ulrich Sumptoh | Union of Moderate Parties | 775 | 5.05 |
| | Charles Lini | Unity for Change | 738 | 4.81 |
| | Saby Natonga | Moderate Alliance Party | 695 | 4.53 |
| | Nadia Kanegai | People's Progressive Party | 578 | 3.77 |
| | Louis Kalnpel | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 555 | 3.62 |
| | Joel George Toa | Independent | 544 | 3.54 |
| | John William | Independent | 514 | 3.35 |
| | Terry Kapah | Leaders Party of Vanuatu | 428 | 2.79 |
| | Jerry Tafan Naieng Niatu | Unity for Change | 423 | 2.76 |
| | Tony Berry Hosea | Vanuatu National Development Party | 333 | 2.17 |
| | Abel David | Vete Alliance | 306 | 1.99 |
| | Jeffery Wilfred Masoerangi | National United Party | 305 | 1.99 |
| | Obi Mial Daniel | Vanuatu National Development Party | 300 | 1.95 |
| | Willie Jimmy | Liberal Democratic Party | 296 | 1.93 |
| | Johnny Kuanpeka Takana | Independent | 264 | 1.72 |
| | Alain Carlot | Natatok | 261 | 1.70 |
| | Pierre Tore | Independent | 205 | 1.34 |
| | Jean-Luc Cassart | Vanuatu National Party | 183 | 1.19 |
| | Ruben Olul Nungnung | Vanuatu National Party | 174 | 1.13 |
| | Barak Sopé | Melanesian Progressive Party | 152 | 0.99 |
| | Marcel Malili | Independent | 135 | 0.88 |
| | Felix Nguyen | Independent | 95 | 0.62 |
| | Hensley H. Garae | People's Action Party | 80 | 0.52 |
| | Wendy Himford | Union of Moderate Parties | 68 | 0.44 |
| | Roy Obed James Matariki | Vanuatu Community Reform Party | 62 | 0.40 |
| | Badley Vanva | Vanuatu New Vision in Development Party | 52 | 0.34 |
| | Jimmy James Moli | Independent | 45 | 0.29 |
| | Maxime Carlot Korman | Vanuatu Democratic Party | 36 | 0.23 |
| | Antoine Boudier | Independent | 32 | 0.21 |
| | Daniel Molisa | Vanuatu Democratic Alliance and Liberation Party for Change | 8 | 0.05 |
| Total | Total | Total | 15,351 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 15,351 | 99.09 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 141 | 0.91 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,492 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 37,315 | 41.52 |
Santo :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Hosea Ovock Rothul Nevu | Iauko Group | 1,299 | 8.23 |
| | Alfred Maoh | Land and Justice Party | 1,224 | 7.75 |
| | Samson Samsen | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 1,098 | 6.95 |
| | Gaetan Pikinoune | Nagriamel | 918 | 5.81 |
| | Rick Mahe Tchamako | Reunification Movement for Change | 899 | 5.69 |
| | Edwin Amblus Macreveth | Friend Melanesian Party | 761 | 4.82 |
| | Ronald Warsal Kalmasei | Vanua'aku Pati | 664 | 4.20 |
| | Sakaes Lulu | People's Progressive Party | 645 | 4.08 |
| | Vatout Moliare Maliu | Union of Moderate Parties | 617 | 3.91 |
| | Livo Mele | Liberal Democratic Party | 612 | 3.88 |
| | Silas Rocroc | Union of Moderate Parties | 603 | 3.82 |
| | Kandy Norman | Union of Moderate Parties | 571 | 3.62 |
| | Collin Tavi | Vanua'aku Pati | 536 | 3.39 |
| | Johnathan Arutape | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 486 | 3.08 |
| | Easter Rojo | Friend Melanesian Party | 454 | 2.88 |
| | John Lum | Nagriamel | 423 | 2.68 |
| | Jacob Bani | Independent | 416 | 2.63 |
| | Sela Molisa | Vanua'aku Pati | 403 | 2.55 |
| | Simon Timothy | Vanuatu National Development Party | 355 | 2.25 |
| | Jean Ravou Akii Kolomoulé | Vanuatu Progressive Republican Farmer Party | 355 | 2.25 |
| | Peter Stevens | Vemarana | 304 | 1.93 |
| | Pierre Chanel Andimele Marsal | Leaders Party of Vanuatu | 294 | 1.86 |
| | Gratiano Pipite | Vanuatu Republican Party | 282 | 1.79 |
| | Valerien Ova | Union of Moderate Parties | 260 | 1.65 |
| | François Tavuiru | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 245 | 1.55 |
| | Mike Paululum | People's Progressive Party | 235 | 1.49 |
| | Lindo Ravhor | Union of Moderate Parties | 213 | 1.35 |
| | Morris Sengo | National United Party | 190 | 1.20 |
| | Gaspard Moli Palaud | Vanuatu Republican Party | 116 | 0.73 |
| | Jonah Simeon Kalorick | Independent | 100 | 0.63 |
| | Jean-Dominique Raupepe | Independent | 84 | 0.53 |
| | Elizabeth Moli | Independent | 66 | 0.42 |
| | Tony Boroni | Independent | 54 | 0.34 |
| | Manina Juanita Packete | Independent | 9 | 0.06 |
| | Roger Key | Independent | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total | Total | Total | 15,791 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 15,791 | 99.37 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 100 | 0.63 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,891 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 25,861 | 61.45 |
Shepherds :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Toara Daniel [fr] | Green Confederation | 341 | 43.16 |
| | Harry Daniel | Vanuatu Progressive Development Party | 329 | 41.65 |
| | Atis Kalo Manaroto | Vanuatu National Development Party | 108 | 13.67 |
| | John M. Manuake | Independent | 6 | 0.76 |
| | Noel Faionalave | Liberal Democratic Party | 6 | 0.76 |
| Total | Total | Total | 790 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 790 | 98.75 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 10 | 1.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 800 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 1,183 | 67.62 |
Southern Islands :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Tomker Netvunei Naling | Union of Moderate Parties | 504 | 25.30 |
| | Edward Nalyal Molou | Vanua'aku Pati | 485 | 24.35 |
| | Ben Leeshi | Independent | 443 | 22.24 |
| | Joe Iautu Ture | Leaders Party for Change | 322 | 16.16 |
| | Meitai Tamasui | Land and Justice Party | 238 | 11.95 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,992 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,992 | 98.91 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 22 | 1.09 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,014 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 2,759 | 73.00 |
Tanna :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Joe Natuman | Vanua'aku Pati | 1,479 | 9.09 |
| | Jotham Napat | Leaders Party of Vanuatu | 1,471 | 9.04 |
| | Bob Loughman | Vanua'aku Pati | 1,058 | 6.50 |
| | Tom Noam Iouniwan | Independent | 943 | 5.80 |
| | Nakou Natuman | Union of Moderate Parties | 903 | 5.55 |
| | Johnny Koanapo | Vanua'aku Pati | 832 | 5.11 |
| | Andrew Solomon Napuat | Land and Justice Party | 746 | 4.59 |
| | Emanuel Xavier Harry | Iauko Group | 734 | 4.51 |
| | Robin Tom Kapapa | Vanuatu Republican Party | 720 | 4.43 |
| | Jimmy Tom Lume | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 633 | 3.89 |
| | Richard Namel Ruan | Independent | 592 | 3.64 |
| | Morkin Steven [fr] | Union of Moderate Parties | 588 | 3.61 |
| | Andrew Namhat Kausiama | Independent | 581 | 3.57 |
| | William Nissian Kiel | Independent | 557 | 3.42 |
| | Benson Willie Samuels Dhapahan | Independent | 531 | 3.26 |
| | Jalson Willie Koda | Tafea Moderate Alliance | 429 | 2.64 |
| | Yaris Leon Yawah | Vanuatu Labour Party | 390 | 2.40 |
| | Roger Kiel | Independent | 358 | 2.20 |
| | Mary Kaviamu Jack | Independent | 340 | 2.09 |
| | James Maukura | Vanuatu New Vision in Development Party | 339 | 2.08 |
| | Peter Sakita | Independent | 333 | 2.05 |
| | Stevens Natouka Yapoum | Independent | 309 | 1.90 |
| | Jimmy Nanuman Nipo | Leaders Party of Vanuatu | 266 | 1.64 |
| | Louis Kaurua Kausiama | Vanuatu National Party | 222 | 1.36 |
| | Joe Noclam | Vanuatu National Development Party | 171 | 1.05 |
| | James Natman Lalo Iamak | Liberal Democratic Party | 137 | 0.84 |
| | Christian Cranois Ialou | Independent | 122 | 0.75 |
| | Kipsen Niespo Yamaimai | Vanuatu Presidential Party | 118 | 0.73 |
| | William Loumai Louhman | Natatok | 112 | 0.69 |
| | Jacques Nauka Meriago | Union of Moderate Parties | 88 | 0.54 |
| | Harry Able Arram | Independent | 62 | 0.38 |
| | Willie Smith Kawa | National United Party | 56 | 0.34 |
| | Daniel Felix Iato | Independent | 27 | 0.17 |
| | Jennifer Kapahai Manua | Independent | 19 | 0.12 |
| | Lui Namark Etap | Independent | 3 | 0.02 |
| | Peter Niamak Jeremiah | Independent | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total | Total | Total | 16,269 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 16,269 | 99.15 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 139 | 0.85 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 16,408 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 26,558 | 61.78 |
Tongoa :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Kalo Pakoa Songi Lano | Iauko Group | 421 | 33.15 |
| | Kalo Eric Pakoatau Marakiwola | National United Party | 347 | 27.32 |
| | John Marc Bell Tapanga Saruru | Vanuatu National Development Party | 244 | 19.21 |
| | George Kerby John | People's Progressive Party | 159 | 12.52 |
| | Willie Noel | Natatok | 71 | 5.59 |
| | Harrison John Manaroto | Liberal Democratic Party | 25 | 1.97 |
| | Willie Ruben Abel | Vanuatu Community Reform Party | 3 | 0.24 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,270 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,270 | 99.30 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 9 | 0.70 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,279 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 2,095 | 61.05 |
Torres :
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Christophe Emelee | Vanuatu National Development Party | 1,029 | 55.65 |
| | Basil Hopkins | United Liberation Front | 327 | 17.69 |
| | Luke Dini | Independent | 272 | 14.71 |
| | Stanley Womack | National United Party | 219 | 11.84 |
| | Raoulé Woleg Austin | Vanuatu National Party | 2 | 0.11 |
| Total | Total | Total | 1,849 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,849 | 97.68 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 44 | 2.32 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,893 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 2,346 | 80.69 |

## Aftermath

As there was not a clear majority of seats won by a single political party, parliamentarians from eight political parties and independent groups created a coalition to form a government. This coalition called for Charlot Salwai, a francophone, to be elected as Prime Minister on 11 February 2016. The opposition did not oppose this motion and Salwai was elected Prime Minister of Vanuatu by parliamentary vote. He declared his Cabinet the following day.
| Portfolio | Minister | Party |
| Prime Minister | Charlot Salwai | Reunification of Movements for Change |
| Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Trade | Joe Natuman | Vanua'aku Pati |
| Minister for Internal Affairs | Alfred Maoh | Graon mo Jastis Party |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs | Bruno Leingkone | National United Party |
| Minister for Finance | Gaetan Pikioune | Nagriamel |
| Minister for Lands | Ralph Regenvanu | Graon mo Jastis Party |
| Minister for Public Utilities | Jotham Napat | Leaders Party of Vanuatu |
| Minister for Justice | Ronald Warsal | Vanua'aku Pati |
| Minister for Climate Change | Ham Lini | National United Party |
| Minister for Education | Jean-Pierre Nirua | Independent |
| Minister for Health | Toara Daniel | Vanuatu Green Confederation |
| Minister for Youth and Sport | Norris Jack Kalmet | Union of Moderate Parties |
| Minister for Agriculture | Seremaia Matai | Independent |
| Source: Vanuatu Daily Digest |||

## Subsequent by-elections
### 2016 Malo/Aore by-election

A by-election was called in June 2016 to elect an MP for the Malo/Aore constituency after the death of Havo Molisale. Uri Warawara of the Land and Justice Party defeated Bani Livo, an independent candidate.
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Uri Warawara | Land and Justice Party | 659 | 29.56 |
| | Bani Livo | Independent | 476 | 21.35 |
| | Moli Juri Havo | Independent | 322 | 14.45 |
| | George Wells | Independent | 291 | 13.06 |
| | Makali Baniuri | Nagriamel | 242 | 10.86 |
| | Toka Moliavea | People's Progressive Party | 183 | 8.21 |
| | Harold Warahese | Independent | 56 | 2.51 |
| Total | Total | Total | 2,229 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 2,229 | 97.25 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 63 | 2.75 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,292 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 3,620 | 63.31 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 183 | 8.21 |
| Source: Vanuatu Daily Post |||||

### 2018 Tanna by-election

Caused by the incumbent Joe Natuman being convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. The election was held on 25 September 2018. Jimmy Nipo was elected.
| Candidate | Candidate | Party |
| | Jimmy Nipo Nanuman | Leaders Party of Vanuatu |
| | Harry Iati Nakat Namak | Vanua'aku Pati |
| | Jaick Charlie | Rural Development Party |
| | Emanuel Xavier Harry | Iauko Group |
| | Robin Tom Kapapa | Union of Moderate Parties |
| | George Iapson | Independent |
| | Mariango Jacques Nauka | Independent |
| | Peter Marcel Nikiatu | Kia Koe |
| | Francois John Kasso | Vanuatu National Democratic Party |
| | Jocelyn Rose Sam | Leleon Vanua Democratic Party |
| Total |||
| Source: |||

### 2019 Efate Rural by-election

Caused by the death of incumbent MP Jerry Kanas (elected as an independent before joining Leaders Party of Vanuatu). Held on 2 September 2019, it resulted in a victory for Edwin Kalorisu of the Leaders Party.
| Candidate | Candidate | Party | Votes | % |
| | Edwin Kalorisu | Leaders Party of Vanuatu | 1,768 | 23.57 |
| | Timothy Thomas | Reunification Movement for Change | 1,411 | 18.81 |
| | William Malas | New Nation Party | 1,215 | 16.20 |
| | Stanley Kaltoi John | Vanua'aku Pati | 1,025 | 13.67 |
| | Michael Taravaki | Vanuatu Liberal Movement | 976 | 13.01 |
| | John Tavasei Alfred | Land and Justice Party | 946 | 12.61 |
| | Fateful Zakari | People's Progressive Party | 159 | 2.12 |
| Total | Total | Total | 7,500 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | Valid votes | 7,500 | 98.31 |
| Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | Invalid/blank votes | 129 | 1.69 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,629 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | Registered voters/turnout | 32,607 | 23.40 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 357 | 4.76 |
| Source: Vanuatu Electoral Office |||||