Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution, Art.82 (4) For the purpose of the election of the members of Parliament, electoral districts shall be established, having-(a) such boundaries; and(b) such number of elected representatives, as are prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament.
Source: Constitution, art. 82 (4): http://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_1.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/25
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns g . Other
Comments: 83. Principles of electoral apportionment
(2) Subject to subsection (1), a Bill for an Act for the purposes of section 82 (composition of Parliament) shall, so far as practicable, be based on the principle that each member of Parliament should represent approximately the same number of electors, but in the circumstances of Tuvalu account must also be taken of-
(a) geographical features; and
(b) interests or relationships of any kind that various areas-
(i) may have in common; or
(ii) may not have in common; and
(c) the boundaries of existing administrative and traditional areas; and
(d) means of communication; and
(e) density and mobility of population; and
(f) such other factors as are prescribed by an Act of Parliament for the purpose.
Source: Constitution, art. 83 (2): http://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_1.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/25
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) c . Executive
Comments: Constitution
82. (1): Subject to subsection (3), Parliament shall consist of such number of members as is fixed by or under an Act of Parliament and a Bill for an Act to amend the number of members so fixed shall not be passed by Parliament unless it is supported at its Third Reading by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the members of Parliament. (5): Nothing in this Constitution prevents an Act of Parliament from making special provision for the representation of a part of Tuvalu with special electoral problems, or related problems.
Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act 3: For the purpose of this Act and sections 82(4) and (5) and 83 of the Constitution, Tuvalu shall be divided into 8 electoral districts which shall be known by the names, consist of the areas and return the number of members specified in relation thereto in Schedule.
Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act 4:(1) For the purpose of registration of electors and the conduct of elections the Minister may by notice divide any electoral district into such number of electoral wards as he may think fit, and may assign such name as he may deem appropriate to any electoral ward.
Source: Electoral Provisions Ordinance, art. 3 and 4:https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1980/1980-0002/ElectoralProvisionsParliamentAct_1.pdf
Constitution of Tuvalu, art. 82 (1) and (5):http://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_1.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/25
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: Constitution, art. 48: The Sovereign of Tuvalu (1) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by the grace of God Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her Other Realms and Possessions, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, having at the request of the people of Tuvalu graciously consented, is the Sovereign of Tuvalu and, in accordance with this Constitution, the Head of State
Constitution, art. 54(2): The Governor-General is the representative of the Sovereign.
Constitution, art. 55(1): The Governor-General shall be appointed, and may be removed from office at any time (with or without cause), by the Sovereign, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after the Prime Minister has, in confidence, consulted the members of Parliament.
Source: Constitution, art. 48, 54 and 55: http://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_1.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/25
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: Constitution, art. 63(1) The Prime Minister shall be elected by the members of Parliament in accordance with Schedule 2 (Election and Appointment of Prime Minister).
Source: Constitution, art. 63:http://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_1.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/25
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 48 & 54-55: http://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_1.pdf
Verified: 2012/06/19
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Parliament of Tuvalu is unicameral.
Source: Constitution, art. 81-82: http://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_1.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/25
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP) c . Block Vote
Comments: Seven of the eight electoral districts use a block voting system to elect two candidates. One electoral district, Nukulaelae, elects only the one candidate who received the most votes.
Source: Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
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 d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: There are specific provisions relating to elections within the Constitution and there are also specific Acts of Parliament regarding elections.
Source: The Constitution of Tuvalu; Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended.
Verified: 2012/06/19
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended; Falekaupule Act as amended.
Verified: 2012/06/19
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Constitution provides for the right to vote (every person who is registered as an elector for Parliamentary elections in an electoral district is entitled to vote) although it does not specify that it is voluntary. The Electoral Provisions Ordinance notes however, that 'every elector desiring to record his vote shall present himself to the presiding officer at the polling station at which he is entitled to vote...' which indicates the voluntary nature of voting.
Source: Constitution of Tuvalu, art. 90; Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 21
Verified: 2012/06/19
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: Any questions regarding the validity of elections are commenced by way of petition in the High Court in its civil jurisdiction. There is no appeal from a decision made by the High Court in this matter.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 56; Constitution, art. 100
Verified: 2012/06/19
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The Secretary to Government within the Office of the Prime Minister coordinates the administration of national elections.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Regulations of 1980, as amended, art. 4; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There is no electoral management body. Costs incurred in registering electors and administering elections are covered by the consolidated fund of the government.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 60 (1)
Verified: 2012/06/19
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There is no electoral management body. The Secretary to Government within the Office of the Prime Minister directs the administration of elections. Legislation specifies that all election related costs are covered by the consolidated fund of the government.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Regulations as amended, art. 4 (a); Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 60.
Verified: 2012/06/19
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments: No electoral management body. The minister appoints Returning Officers for each electoral district ahead of an election.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 6
Verified: 2012/06/19
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: The Secretary to Government within the Office of the Prime Minister directs the administration of elections.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Regulations of 1980, as amended, art. 4; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: No Electoral Management Body. The Secretary to Government within the Office of the Prime Minister directs the administration of elections.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Regulations of 1980, as amended, art. 4; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments: No Electoral Management Body. The Secretary to Government within the Office of the Prime Minister directs the administration of elections. The Minister appoints Returning Officers for each electoral district on unspecified criteria.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Regulations of 1980, as amended, art. 4; Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 6; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
j . Not Applicable
Comments: No Electoral Management Body. The Secretary to Government within the Office of the Prime Minister directs the administration of elections. The Minister appoints Returning Officers for each electoral district on unspecified criteria.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Regulations of 1980, as amended, art. 4; Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 6; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/19
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/19
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/19
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 5 (2).
Constitution of Tuvalu, art. 91 (1).
Verified: 2009/09/04
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: In addition to citizenship, the electoral district in which one registers may be determined by either a residency requirement of two years within the previous three years or land ownership, in addition to involvement with the activities of the indigenous community of that district. However, if one does not meet these requirements in any electoral district, that person may still register to vote.
Source: Constitution, art. 90-91; Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 5 (2-4)
Verified: 2012/06/19
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: The Secretary to Government within the Office of the Prime Minister directs the administration of all election processes. The Minister appoints a Registration Officer for each electoral district who is responsible for updating and maintaining voter registration within that district.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Regulations as amended, art. 5 (1)
Verified: 2012/06/19
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is specific mandate requiring citizens to be registered to vote. The Constitution as well as additional legislation specify the requirements one must meet in order to be entitled to be registered. Registration is voluntary.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 5 (2); Constitution, art. 91.
Verified: 2012/06/19
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: There are no formal political parties.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration
Comments: The qualifications include: minimum age of 21 years, citizenship, as well as registration to vote in the electoral district for which one is a candidate.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Ordinance, art. 9; Constitution, art. 93-94
Verified: 2012/06/19
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There are no formal political parties, so all candidates are independent. The head of state is the British monarch, so there are no presidential elections.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf); Constitution, art. 48-49
Verified: 2012/06/19
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties in Tuvalu.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions for public funding of elections.
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/19
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: There are no political parties. There are no provisions for public financing of elections.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html; Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/19
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: "Upon receipt of all ballot boxes from polling stations situated within the
electoral district of which he is Returning Officer, the Returning Officer shall
commence to count votes in the presence of the counting agents and shall, so
far as is practicable, proceed continuously with the counting..."
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 26 & 28.
Verified: 2012/06/20
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
e . Court order
Comments: An election petition may be presented to the High Court within one month after the publication of the result of the election. Every such petition shall be heard by the High Court in open court. It is during such hearing that the High Court may order: "the inspection and production of any rejected ballot papers or the opening of any sealed packet of the counterfoils of used ballot papers or the inspection of any counted ballot papers or the inspection and production of tendered ballot papers and the tendered votes..."
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 56-58.
Verified: 2012/06/20
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: Hassall, Graham (2006): The Tuvalu General Election 2006, Democracy and Elections Project (Governance Program), University of the South Pacific, Fiji. (http://www.governance.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/thematic/elections/docs/Hassall_-_Election_Observation_Report_Tuvalu_2006.pdf)
Verified: 2012/06/20
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/20
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/20
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/20
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Constitution stipulates the right to recall a member of the parliament on the basis of infirmity of body or mind.
Source: Constitution, art. 99.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no provisions for referenda in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no provisions for referenda in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no provisions for initiatives in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no provisions for initiatives in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: If more than 50 percent of the persons who are registered as electors for Parliamentary elections in an electoral district sign a petition to the Head of State stating that a member of Parliament for that district is unable to perform properly the functions of a member because of infirmity of body or mind and if the Head of State, acting in his own deliberate judgment is satisfied that this condition is met and that it is desirable in the interests of the good government of Tuvalu that the question of removing the member should be investigated, the Head of State, acting in accordance with the advice of a professional medical body outside Tuvalu approved by an Act of Parliament for the purpose, shall appoint two or more medical practitioners who are legally qualified to practice medicine either in Tuvalu or elsewhere to investigate the question of the capacity of the member.
The persons appointed under subsection (2) (above) shall investigate the question and make a joint professional report to the Head of State personally. If after considering the report the Head of State, acting in his own deliberate judgment, is satisfied that it is desirable in the interests of the good government of Tuvalu to do so, he shall, acting in his own deliberate judgment, by written notice to the Speaker and the member declare the seat of the member concerned vacant.
Source: Constitution, art. 99.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions for referenda in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions for referenda in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution.
Verified: 2012/06/20
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no provisions for direct democracy at sub-national levels.
Source: Constitution; Falekaupule Act as amended; Kaupule (Elections) Regulations as amended.
Verified: 2012/06/20
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
d . At specially designated polling stations
Comments: There is one polling station per island. At the polling station there is a ballot box for each of the Island Districts. Voters can vote for the candidates from their District. The ballot boxes are sent to the corresponding Islands for counting.
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 16-17.
Verified: 2012/06/19
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments:
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 16-17, 21-22.
Verified: 2012/06/19
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 16-17, 21-22.
Verified: 2012/06/19
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 17, 21.
Verified: 2012/06/19
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