Record number of candidates for Vanuatu election
Updated
A record number of candidates will stand in Vanuatu's general election next month.
Vanuatu's Electoral Office has confirmed that 334 candidates will contest the poll on September 2nd.
Derek Brien, from the Pacific Institute of Public Policy, in Port Vila, says he cannot see a majority government returned next month.
He says it is more likely to be a parliament made up of a number of small parties, merged to form a coalition government.
Mr Brien has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program, there have been a number of issues dominating debate ahead of the poll, but historically the electorate tends to vote for the person rather than what the party stands for.
"So politics here tends to be driven more by personality than by policy," Mr Brien said.
"However the major policies that are being discussed are: free education free health care; opportunities for indigenous business people; investment; and access to credit. They are the main things the parties are talking about."
