None of 13 short-listed candidates managed to get the required quorum of 38 of the 58 members of the Electoral College.
After two rounds, Vanuatu's ambassador to Fiji, Nikenike Vurobaravu was in the lead with 29 votes.
The former ambassador to China, Willie Jimmy Tapangararua, was next but well behind with a handful of votes and all other candidates gained no more than two votes.
Obed Moses Tallis has recently completed his term as president.
