Info
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation c . Decree
Comments: There are provisions in the Constitution on elections. The main electoral law is the Representation of the People Act. In addition, the President in consultation with the Electoral Commission determines the electoral constituencies and the number of seats per constituency.
Source: Constitution, art. 17-20: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Representation of the People Act, as amended: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/03/19
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: "Most importantly, registration and voting is not compulsory in Vanuatu"
Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/294617/lack-of-vanuatu-voter-awareness-irks-commission
Verified: 2025/03/19
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: Every election petition shall be heard by the Supreme Court
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 54 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/03/19
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