I read an article by Ricky Binihi of the daily post pertaining to the issue of a woman president a week or so ago. Thus I am compelled to express my views a about the issue. Daily post reports that the reasoning from some members of the Electoral College is that “the Melanesian values, faith in God and Christian principles dictate who the head of family is”. This reasoning is becoming very laughable than anything else, the concept is merely farcical. These members of the Electoral College should read the Constitution which states clearly that any Ni-Vanuatu is eligible to be president regardless of his or her gender. Their concept has not yet been elucidated, what do they mean by “Melanesian values, faith in God and Christian principles”? Vanuatu cannot merely rely on some of the Melanesian values, faith in God and Christian principles. Importantly, some of these principles whether it is Melanesian or Christian are not congruent or pertinent with the rest of the democratic modern world. We should be more pragmatic in our approach and merely assimilate what is best and do not adhere to any concept which merely puts Vanuatu a step behind the modern world. A prime example is that our Melanesian paternalistic view that men should be the head of the family is not merely archaic but is a thing of the past and for the sake of an equal and democratic society, Vanuatu should dispense this paternalistic view altogether. If Vanuatu genuinely wants to promote gender equality which evidently we are still lagging behind in this regard then so be it, whether a woman becomes the next president should not be a big deal. Anyone should become president based on his or her merits and capacity not on his or her gender. I think it is a brilliant opportunity that should Vanuatu elect a woman President, in light of this, it would catapult Vanuatu into the limelight as regards championing gender equality and human rights within the Pacific region.
Conversely, the concept that a man should be the head of the family according to some members of the Electoral College epitomizes how gender inequality exits in Vanuatu notwithstanding Vanuatu has acquired Independence 29 years ago. Given the age of Vanuatu reaching statehood, one would have thought that Vanuatu would have equally reached maturity in terms of ensuring that gender equality prevails in its society. As a grassroot average Ni-Vanuatu, I am saddened by the view of some of those who constitute the Electoral College. It is about time these so called members of the Electoral College started to think globally and not parochially. The fact that the aforementioned have vigorously argued against a woman president was nothing other than a mock of media showpiece for the support of their so called logical stance.
The fact that women’s inequality exists in Vanuatu has impelled a liberal like me to express his views. My view is not merely to defend women, but I think it is pertinent that equality should be for all regardless of gender, race, religious background etc. Sadly the views of the vast majority of the constitute of the Electoral College provides fresh impetus as to whether Electoral College does institutionally discriminates against women? Whether this is the case, it is another topic of debate.
