The presidential inauguration of Kalkot Mataskelekele on 16 August 2004 marked a departure in the governance of Vanuatu, as he became the first head of state in the nation to hold a university degree. His selection followed a protracted period of electoral instability within the parliament and the regional leadership councils that comprise the electoral college.
Early Education and Legal Background
Born in Port Vila in 1949, Mataskelekele pursued his academic training at Scotch College in Melbourne before attending the University of Papua New Guinea. This educational trajectory facilitated a career in law, eventually leading him to serve as the first indigenous Solicitor General of Vanuatu. He further advanced his professional profile by serving as a justice on the Supreme Court.
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Mataskelekele initially pursued the presidency in April 2004 with the support of the government led by Edward Natapei. That attempt ended unsuccessfully after several rounds of voting concluded in a victory for Alfred Maseng. Following the subsequent impeachment of Maseng and a shift in the parliamentary landscape, a new presidential selection process commenced in August 2004.
Electoral Victory
The election of August 2004 involved multiple rounds to resolve the contest between several candidates, including Donald Kalpokas and Willie David Saul. On 16 August 2004, the electoral college concluded the process, with Mataskelekele securing the presidency by defeating Saul with 49 votes to 7. He occupied the office for exactly five years, completing his tenure on 16 August 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Port Vila
- Citizenship: Vanuatu
- Education: University of Papua New Guinea, Scotch College
- Former roles: Solicitor General, Supreme Court justice
- Presidential term: 2004-2009
- Political party: National United Party
Questions readers ask
Was he the first university-educated president of Vanuatu?
Yes, he was the first head of state in the country to hold a university degree.
How long did his presidency last?
He served a five-year term, beginning on 16 August 2004 and ending on 16 August 2009.
Achievements
- President of Vanuatu (2004–2009)
- Educated at University of Papua New Guinea
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