Proposed changes to voting in Samoa
In Samoa, recent changes to the voting regulations have prompted concerns from the Opposition and elsewhere in the community.
The changes allow for eligible voters to register online from overseas. Previously, anyone who wished to vote in elections had to be in Samoa to register. An ‘eligible voter’ is someone who is of voting age and has lived in Samoa. For some members of the Samoan diaspora, the limitations on their ability to vote has been a longstanding frustration. These communities provided a large amount of support and financial backing to the FAST party, led by Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, during the most recent elections.
However, many in Samoa are concerned that these changes will give too much sway to people who do not live in the country and have little appreciation of what is needed. The Opposition has labelled these changes as ‘unfair’.
China responds to Vanuatu priorities with cash and boats
The People’s Republic of China has made a significant donation to the Government of Vanuatu further to a recent meeting of development partners in Port Vila.
The day after the meeting was convened by the government’s aid coordination unit, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and the Chinese Ambassador, Li Minggang, met to sign an agreement. China has undertaken to provide VT 239 million (USD 1.97 million) in development assistance. Ambassador Li was the first of Vanuatu’s development partners’ representatives to come forward with a package further to the meeting.
In addition, China will provide the government with six boats to be used to improve connectivity in provincial areas.
Previously, the Vanuatu government received two inter-island vessels from China that had the wrong specifications. The Chinese Embassy has undertaken to work with Vanuatu to ensure that these new vessels are fit for purpose.
Other Pacific News
Australia’s Bendigo Bank has announced it will defer its withdrawal from Nauru, which could leave the island with no banking services. A delegation from the Bank of China recently met with the leadership of the Nauru government to discuss banking services and other matters.
In Fiji, former PM Bainimarama and suspended Chief of Police Qiliho have had ‘not guilty’ verdicts overturned on appeal. They have been convicted of perverting the course of justice and abuse of office respectively.
The Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, has met with the US Assistant Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, in Washington DC. They discussed US engagement with the PIF including support for the Pacific Resilience Facility.
The new Prime Minister of Tuvalu has provided more information about the priorities for his new government. Speaking with RNZ Pacific, Feleti Teo addressed a wide range of issues including how he would like to progress with the Falepili Union with Australia.
A state of emergency has been declared in the Federated States of Micronesia. This comes after an extended period of severe drought which has affected around 160,000 people. In some parts of the country there has been no rain for three months.
Dr Tess Newton Cain is a Senior Research Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and project lead for the Griffith Pacific Hub.
