Voting begins in quake-ravaged Pacific nation of Vanuatu

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Voting began on Thursday to elect a new government in Vanuatu, a month after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific island nation's capital Port Vila, killing at least 16 people, triggering landslides and damaging several major buildings.

A snap election had to be called after Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu in November dissolved the parliament following a no-confidence motion against him and Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.

Vanuatu has experienced 18 months of political instability, with three prime ministers in that time.

The country's constitution requires an election within 60 days after the dissolution of parliament. There are more than 300,000 registered voters to elect representatives for 52 seats.

Official results could be available only after several days as ballots have to be brought to Port Vila from outlying islands.

Despite widespread damage from the earthquake, Vanuatu's Principal Electoral Officer Guilain Malessas said the distribution of ballot boxes would be completed by Thursday morning.

"We are grateful for the good weather conditions currently in Vanuatu. The deployments are proceeding safely and on time," Malessas told the Vanuatu Daily Post on Wednesday.

Among the buildings damaged in December's earthquake was one housing the new U.S. embassy, which only opened last year.

Washington has been working to boost its diplomatic presence in the Pacific to counter what it sees as a growing threat from China, its main strategic rival.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

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