29 Dec 2015

Vanuatu Electoral Office warns again against illegal gift giving

1:44 pm on 29 December 2015

The Electoral Office in Vanuatu has for the second time warned political candidates in the upcoming snap election to stop giving out gifts to supporters.

The Electoral Office Technical Advisor, Martin Tete, says the eligible names of the candidates will be announced at the start of the political campaigns on January the 5th.

Mr Tete says candidates have to stop giving out gifts as it is against the law.

The ban will end on January 20th, and the country's snap general elections will be held on January 22nd.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised that the law is going to interfere with cultural duties in times of wedding and funeral obligations.

Ballot box in a Vanuatu election.

Ballot box in a Vanuatu election. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades