The Office of the Ombudsman recently participated in an awareness outreach initiative held on Malekula Island. The program was jointly supported by Vanuatu Transparency International (TIV), in collaboration with the Right to Information (RTI) Unit and the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO).

The primary objective of the outreach was to facilitate the induction of newly elected Councillors of the Malampa Provincial Government Council. Each participating agency delivered presentations on key topics, including:

• Civic education
• The right to access accurate information
• The role and responsibilities of the Office of the Ombudsman
• Electoral processes and its relevant legislation
• The power of citizens to elect responsible leaders
• Entitlements of Members of Parliament and Provincial Councillors
• Custom governance

In addition to the formal induction, the team conducted awareness sessions in several local communities, including Lingarak, Mae, Walarano, the Norsup area, Uripiv Island, and Rano Island.

The initiative was met with strong engagement and positive feedback from both community members and Councillors of Malampa Province. Most of the participants raised pertinent questions regarding the use of allowances by MPs and Councillors, particularly in areas where development remains limited. The community members expressed keen interest in the information presented and requested that similar outreach programs be extended to other parts of Malekula.