Decolonization conference in London: Elections and referendum agreed for Vanuatu despite challenges.

An agreement was reached during an Anglo-French and Ni-Vanuatu conference in London to hold new Assembly elections and an independence referendum for Vanuatu. This meeting was significant in the decolonization process of Vanuatu, which was then known as the New Hebrides, a unique colonial territory jointly administered by Britain and France. The conference aimed to address the rising demands for independence from the indigenous Ni-Vanuatu population. The agreement, however, faced immediate challenges as the Vanua'aku Pati (VP), a prominent political party advocating for full and immediate independence, decided to boycott the planned elections and referendum. The VP's boycott underscored the division among various political factions in Vanuatu regarding the path to independence. Despite the boycott, the Anglo-French condominium administration proceeded with the agreed plans. This decision to hold elections and a referendum was a crucial step towards ending the condominium rule, which had been criticized for its inefficiency and inability to meet the aspirations of the local populace. The outcome of this decision would eventually lead to the formal independence of Vanuatu, reflecting the broader trend of decolonization that characterized the mid-20th century. The political landscape of Vanuatu during this period was marked by a strong push for self-determination, with various parties and movements advocating different approaches to achieving independence. The assembly elections and the independence referendum were seen as pivotal in determining the future governance structure and political status of the archipelago. #Vanuatu #Decolonization #IndependenceReferendum #AngloFrenchConference #PoliticalHistory #MoofLife