Official counting and verification of Polling Station results begin today

The official counting and verification of polling station results for the 2025 snap election officially began today. This follows the arrival of the final ballot box from the Nouméa polling station last night. This crucial step marks the beginning of the countdown to the announcement of election results.

Vanuatu Electoral Commission (VEC) Chairman, Edward Kaltamat, stated that the commission is committed to announcing the official results within the legally mandated 21-day timeframe. "The 21-day period began on January 16, 2025, and the commission anticipates announcing the winning candidates sometime next week," Mr. Kaltamat said.

Mr. Kaltamat further explained, "The legal framework for the Republic of Vanuatu Electoral Office after polling day is clearly stipulated in the National Electoral Act. After the voting process is completed, the VEC is responsible for counting the votes and releasing unofficial results. The commission emphasizes that it will ensure the transparency and accuracy of the entire counting process." He also added, "Regarding the official announcement of election results, the VEC’s task is to declare the winners for each constituency. We must also ensure that the results are officially published and made public."

Chairman Kaltamat explained that the verification process should be smooth if all presiding officers and polling staff have completed the tally sheets and record books, ensuring that each result is checked. He also mentioned that if any discrepancies are found in the tally sheets from any polling station, a recount will be conducted to verify the votes for each candidate. He stressed that the verification and recount processes require full commitment, transparency, and accountability. The VEC plans to live-stream the verification and recount procedures on the Vanuatu Electoral Office’s Facebook page.

Chairman Kaltamat also expressed his delight at seeing so many people participate in the voting last week. "During my visits to some polling stations in Efate and Port Vila, I saw many young people, mothers, and elderly people queuing to vote. It is very promising to see people participating in the government elections," he said. There are a total of 18 constituencies with over 300 polling stations in Vanuatu.