Vanuatu Snap Election Line-up: Five former Vanuatu prime ministers are contesting a snap election on October 13, with caretaker PM Bob Loughman also running—Serge Vohor (Pikinini blong Ground Movement), Charlot Salwai (Reunification Movement for Change), Ham Lini (Pentecost Island Custom Movement), Sato Kilman (Melanesian Progressive Party), Joe Natuman (independent), and Loughman (Vanuaku Party). The Electoral Commission is screening 300+ applicants, including a rule that outstanding government debts over two months disqualify candidates, with qualified names due Saturday. Pacific Ocean Governance & Geopolitics: Former PIF SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that militarisation and dependence on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean governance, urging unity and economic self-determination. Regional Cybercrime Law Push (incl. Vanuatu): Fiji’s justice minister says Pacific legal systems must keep pace as PILON finalises a regional cybercrime legislation handbook in Nadi, with Vanuatu among participating countries. World Oceans Day—Vanuatu’s Call: Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu backed urgent ocean stewardship, citing the “triple planetary crisis” and new global legal momentum for ocean protection. Tsunami Monitoring After Philippines Quake: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories remain for multiple Pacific states including Vanuatu, with agencies urged to inform coastal communities and follow local procedures. Tourism Connectivity: Solomon Airlines launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, boosting access to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub.