Kalkot Mataskelekele is the President of Vanuatu since 2004. His term lasts five years.
He is a lawyer from the national capital, Port Vila, and is the first Head of State of Vanuatu to have a university degree. He was elected by the electoral college, which consists of the Parliament and regional Presidents, on August 16, 2004, and sworn in the same day.
He had previously been a candidate in the presidential election of April 2004, and was backed by the government of Edward Natapei. However, after several inconclusive rounds in the electoral college, he was defeated by Alfred Maseng. After the impeachment of Maseng and a parliamentary election, a new election was held on August 12, 2004, which was inconclusive and was continued on August 16. Though Kalkot was widely expected to win, there were many other candidates, and he faced tough opposition from Willie David Saul and former Prime Minister Donald Kalpokas. In the final round of voting, Kalkot defeated Saul by a vote of 49 to 7.
NUP gave its blessing for the election of KalkotMataskelekele in the presidential election last April and managed to convince allies in the coalition at the end of the second round.
In five different "toktok", the new head of state recalled the role of a head of state as symbol of unity, executor of various aspects of the law and constitutional law of the country, host to foreign diplomatic visitors, guest of honour at state functions and ceremonies, and holder of the integrity of the state.
KalkotMataskelekele is father of six children (three girls and three boys).
KalkotMataskelekele is the President of Vanuatu since 2004.
He is a lawyer from the national capital, Port Vila, and is the first Head of State of Vanuatu to have a university degree.
Though Kalkot was widely expected to win, there were many other candidates, and he faced tough opposition from Willie David Saul and former Prime Minister Donald Kalpokas.
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