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Department of Pacific Affairs · ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
This course examines the political economy of elections in Melanesia (PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Bougainville). It considers the factors shaping the conduct of elections across the region, and implications of elections for democracy, governance, development and security. Incorporating insights from comparative politics, anthropology and development studies, the course explores how elections in the region differ from developed country electoral experiences and what this means for efforts to support electoral processes. Implications for the development of electoral support programs that respond to the specific Melanesian context are also considered. The focus of the readings is to provide a deeper grounded and contextual understanding of elections, drawing heavily on applied research conducted in Melanesian countries. Regional case studies are used to elucidate key aspects of elections. Topics of study include: - The political economy of elections in Melanesia - Elections and (in)security - Elections, governance and development - Money politics and electoral competition in Melanesia - Political parties and campaigning - Elections, ICTs and social media - Women and elections - Electoral administration and electoral integrity in Melanesia - Elections in PNG - Elections in Solomon Islands - Elections and external actors - Supporting elections in Melanesia
Risk assessment and stakeholder analysis
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Election support design project
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, both interactive/seminar based and independent research. The course comprises a maximum of 6k words of assessment or the equivalent. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
None required Preliminary Reading 1. Barbara, J. with Baker, K., *Improving the Electoral Chances of Pacific Women through an Evidence-Based Approach: A Synthesis Report prepared for the Centre for Democratic Institutions and the State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Program**,* December (23 pages) 2. Haley, N. and Zubrinich, K. (2019), *Papua New Guinea General Elections: Election Observations Report**,* Department of Pacific Affairs, ANU: 3. Hou, Rick. 2016. A Day in the Life of a Member of Parliament in Solomon Islands. State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Discussion Paper 2016/2. Canberra: Australian National University. 4. Corbett, Jack. 2015. Democracy in the Pacific: Comparable Practices, Contested Meanings. Democratic Theory 2 (2): 22—40. 5. Fraenkel, Jon. 2010. Oceania’s Political Institutions and Transitions. State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Discussion Paper 2010/5. Canberra: Australian National University. 6. Lawson, Stephanie. 1993. The Politics of Tradition: Problems for Political Legitimacy and Democracy in the South Pacific. Pacific Studies 16 (2): 1—29. 7. Logan, Sarah. 2012. Rausim! Digital Politics in PNG. State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Discussion Paper 2012/9. Canberra: Australian National University. 8. May, R. J. 2003. Disorderly Democracy: Political Turbulence and Institutional Reform in PNG. State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Discussion Paper 2003/3. Canberra: Australian National University. 9. Steeves, Jeffrey S. 1996. Unbounded Politics in the Solomon Islands: Leadership and Party Alignments. Pacific Studies 19 (1): 115—138. 10. Wood, T. (2019), *Development and the 2019 elections in Solomon Islands**,* DevPol Blog, April 23, 2019. 11. Wood, T. 2017, ‘What can Australia do to help with elections in PNG?’ DevPol Blog, September 15, 2017. Wood, T. (2015), ‘The three political economies of electoral quality in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands’, Crawford School of Public Policy Development Policy Centre Discussion Paper