Vanuatu

While no women managed to secure a seat in the national election and again in the provincial election, this does not represent a failure on the women part as the high number of women contesting recent elections has set a record for the country.

In the national election there were 17 women and in the provincial elections of Penama, Malampa, Shefa and Tafea 8 women contested. This is a political achievement for the women of Vanuatu compared to the number of women contestants the past.

Female leaders in Vanuatu are urging voters to boycott male candidates at the October general elections.

There are currently no female members in the Vanuatu parliament.

Eleven women boycotted a speech this week by senior MP Ralph Regenvanu, who was addressing a women's training workshop.

They say Mr Regenvanu has reneged on a commitment to help women have a greater presence in the parliament.

18 women have shown their interest to run as candidates in Vanuatu's general elections in two months time.

Since independence in 1980, only five women have been elected as members of Vanuatu's parliament.

Read the complete story at Australia News Network, published 9 August 2012.