Jotham Napat elected Vanuatu Prime Minister, leads coalition

Jotham Napat has been elected unopposed as Vanuatu's new prime minister following the January 16 snap election, where his Leaders Party secured the most seats. Napat will lead a coalition government comprising five parties, aiming to stabilize the political landscape after a history of short-lived administrations. Concurrently, Marie Louise Milne, the only female MP elected, has called for a ministry role to ensure women's representation in government, a sentiment echoed by gender equality advocates. The new government faces pressing challenges, including rebuilding efforts in Port Vila after a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that killed 14 people and displaced thousands. As Napat prepares to appoint ministers, there is optimism regarding the parliament's ability to adopt reforms that encourage female political participation. The recent election results reflect a diverse political landscape, with multiple parties represented in the 52-seat parliament.