It followed the death of sitting MP (former Prime Minister, and incumbent Leader of the Opposition[1]) Edward Natapei, of the centre-left Vanua'aku Pati.

Although Port-Vila is a multi-member constituency, only one seat was vacant, and therefore only one new member was elected.

On the government side, the Union of Moderate Parties (centre-right) also initially endorsed Kenneth Natapei,[2][3][4] before putting forward its own candidate.

Ultimately, five other candidates took part in the election alongside Natapei : Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau (independent), Nadia Kanegai (People's Progressive Party), Allan Carlot (Natatok), Georgie Calo (Union of Moderate Parties) and Jocelyn Mete (independent).

[6][7] Following the unseating of fourteen members of Parliament upon conviction for bribery, however, President Baldwin Lonsdale dissolved Parliament on 24 November, and called a snap general election.