Kaltabang is youngest MP-Elect for 14th Legislature

In the 2025 snap elections, voters on Ifira Island made history by casting a record number of over 500 votes at the polling station for the youngest elected Member of Parliament from the Ioko Group (IG). According to unofficial results, the IG candidate in the Efate constituency also achieved a significant feat, securing a total of 1,828 votes.

The 28-year-old MP-elect from Ifira Island, Kaltabang, is the youngest member of the 14th Parliament of the Republic, and his victory marks a significant political shift, highlighting the growing influence of young leaders in national governance. A political analyst told the Daily Post that after a decade, a local from Ifira Island successfully secured 1,828 votes, surpassing some of the island's notable political figures.

Sources from Ifira Island shared an intriguing story behind Kaltabang’s election. According to local accounts, it all began during Friday night kava gatherings between the MP-elect and the island's youth. During these gatherings, they would jokingly predict that Kaltabang would one day become their elected representative in Parliament. A source shared, "Every Friday, before the dissolution of Parliament, we would gather and share a bowl of kava. We made an agreement to support Mr. Kaltabang for the 2026 election for the Efate rural constituency, not realizing that the 13th legislature would be dissolved, leading to a snap election."

This unplanned yet heartfelt commitment from the youth of Ifira reflects the strong community support behind Kaltabang, who now stands as the youngest elected MP in history. The source further emphasized that Kaltabang's victory is a significant achievement for the youth of Ifira. They expressed their gratitude to the Council of Chiefs for allowing the campaign launch to be held at their nakamal (the central gathering place on the island). The source also thanked supporters from across Efate who were instrumental in making this achievement possible through their votes.

This collective support from the local community and the wider Efate region underscores the strong backing Kaltabang received on his path to becoming the youngest elected MP. The move to launch the campaign at the nakamal further highlights the deep cultural connection and unity behind his campaign. IG is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing political parties in Vanuatu. In the recent elections, IG successfully secured six elected MPs across 18 constituencies nationwide, marking a significant achievement for the party.

This growing political influence reflects IG's increasing support among voters, and the election of the youngest MP-elect, Kaltabang, further highlights the party's momentum and appeal. With strong support from communities like Ifira and a growing national presence, IG is poised to play an even greater role in Vanuatu's political landscape. MP-elect Kaltabang brings a wealth of experience, having worked in the banking sector for 11 years. His extensive background in finance and banking is expected to add valuable perspective to his role in Parliament, where he hopes to contribute to the development of policies that impact Vanuatu's economy and financial system.