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https://theconversation.com/vanuatu-is-holding-its-first-ever-referendum-heres-whats-at-stake-228192>
"Vanuatu’s young people are tired of political instability. And they are not
just sitting back as political spectators, they’re actively pushing for reform
and are determined to steer their country towards stability and prosperity.
Their activism is centred around a crucial national referendum being held
today, which is aimed at creating a more stable government. If approved, the
referendum would lead to important changes meant to reduce the political
instability caused by MPs often switching parties.
Political instability has wracked Vanuatu since it gained independence in 1980,
severely affecting its governance and public trust in its institutions.
In recent years, this turmoil has intensified. In 2023, for example, the
country cycled through three different prime ministers in a month due to
successful no-confidence votes.
One of these no-confidence votes in November meant that many important bills,
including the 2024 budget, were not able to be passed.
This is what prompted ni-Vanuatu youth to form “Muvmen blong Red” (or Movement
Red) last year. The movement is aimed at creating a future in which the
government is more responsive to the people and adept at tackling key
livability issues, such as improving roads, reducing food prices, offering
assistance to young people looking for work, improving health care and helping
communities hit by cyclones to rebuild.
Putting an end to the rampant party-switching among MPs will help toward this
goal. Young ni-Vanuatu believe this practice undermines the integrity of the
political process and leads to short-lived policies that fail to address the
long-term needs of the country."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
