Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall divide the constituencies into such number of polling districts as it shall consider fit
17 multi-member electoral constituencies.
Source: Representation of the People, part 3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Inter-Parliamentary Union (http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2345_B.htm)
Verified: 2016/01/25
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The six provinces and two municipalities of the country are delimited into six single-member
and 11 multi-member electoral districts, containing altogether over 309 polling stations. There are severe disparities between the electoral districts in terms of size of population, resources and geographical features
Source: Vanuatu: Limitations to the Independence of the EMB: https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/em/electoral-management-case-studies/vanuatu-limitations-to-the-independence-of-the-emb
Verified: 2016/01/25
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The President acting on the advice of the Electoral Commission.
"“constituency” means one of the constituencies into which Vanuatu is divided by Order made by the President acting on the advice of the Electoral Commission..."
"The parliamentary seats and constituencies established by the Representative Assembly (Constituencies and Membership) Regulation No. 22 of 1979 shall remain the parliamentary seats and constituencies of Vanuatu until changed or replaced by an Order made by the President acting on the advice of the Electoral Commission."
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 1 & 70 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/25
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
e . Elected by electoral college or committee
Comments: The President of the Republic shall be elected, in accordance with Schedule 1, by secret ballot by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and the chairmen of Local Government Councils
Source: Constitution, art. 34 & schedule 1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The Prime Minister is elected by the absolute majority of the members of parliament by secret ballot.
Source: Constitution, art. 41 & schedule 2: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 33: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The legislature consists of a single chamber known as Parliament.
Source: Constitution, art. 15: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
f . Single Non-Transferable Vote
Comments: The Constitution states, "Parliament shall consist of members elected on the basis of universal franchise through an electoral system which includes an element of proportional representation so as to ensure fair representation of different political groups and opinions."
The Republic of Vanuatu is the only democracy today that employs what is known as the Single Non-Transferable Vote
Multiple members may be elected in some electoral constituencies, but choose only one candidate, regardless. The candidates with the most votes in each district, equal to the number of seats allotted to that constituency, shall be elected.
Source: Constitution, art. 17: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
http://www.usp.ac.fj/fileadmin/files/Institutes/piasdg/Electoral_Systems_2004/es2004_vanTrease.pdf
Verified: 2016/01/26
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
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall have general responsibility for and shall supervise the registration of electors and the conduct of elections to Parliament, the National Council of Chiefs, local government and municipal councils
Source: Constitution, art. 20 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature f . Donors
Comments: The Commission and its Electoral Office are financed through an annual appropriation from
Parliament
There is also a tradition of donor funding of certain aspects of the election process
Source: Bolenga, Jeannette (2006): Vanuatu: Limitations to the
Independence of the EMB. Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook. (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_CS_Vanuatu.pdf)
Verified: 2016/01/26
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Principal Electoral Officer shall in particular be responsible for –
(a) control of electoral expenditure
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 3 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: A chairman or a member of the Commission shall vacate his office – (a) at the expiration of 5 years from the date of his appointment
Source: Constitution, art. 18 (3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Electoral Commission is an appointed independent body, but the Principal Electoral Officer is a public servant. The role of supervising and executing elections procedures is divides between the two, with most of the technical responsibilities given to the Principal Electoral Officer.
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 2.: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Constitution, art. 18-20.: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Commission is composed of: 3 members.
The Principal Electoral Officer is a single public servant.
Source: Constitution, art. 18-19: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
e . No Information Available
Comments: The members of the Electoral Commission are appointed by the President. The Principal Electoral Officer is a designated public servant.
Source: Constitution, art. 18-20: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State i . Other
Comments: The Electoral Commission members are selected by the President in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission.
The Principal Electoral Officer is a public servant.
Source: Constitution, art. 18-19: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
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):
a . National Electoral Management Body g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations i . Media k . Other
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/03/25
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: 2025/03/25
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: John Taleo says the commission will step up awareness campaigns get people to register as sooner ahead of the next election
Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/294617/lack-of-vanuatu-voter-awareness-irks-commission
Verified: 2025/03/25
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: A person shall be eligible for registration in the electoral list for the polling district in which he is a resident at the time of the preparation of the electoral list if he –
(a) is a citizen; and
(b) will have attained 18 years on or before the qualifying date
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 9(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
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
Comments: A person shall be eligible for registration in the electoral list for the polling district in which he is a resident at the time of the preparation of the electoral list if he –
(a) is a citizen; and
(b) will have attained 18 years on or before the qualifying date
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 9(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Principal Electoral Officer shall have such powers and functions relating to such registration and elections as may be prescribed by Parliament
Source: Constitution, art. 20(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/26
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Eligibility to vote and registration are not automatic
Source: https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/em/electoral-management-case-studies/vanuatu-limitations-to-the-independence-of-the-emb
Verified: 2016/01/26
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):
d . No registration required
Comments: The Constitution allows political parties to form freely. There is no legal provision for the registration of political parties, though the Electoral Office maintains a registry.
Source: Bolenga, Jeannette (2006): Vanuatu: Limitations to the
Independence of the EMB. Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook. (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_CS_Vanuatu.pdf); Constitution art. 4 (3).
Verified: 2025/03/27
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
Comments: Subject to section 23 a person shall be eligible to stand as a candidate for election to Parliament if he –
(a) is not disqualified from voting;
has not received a sentence including a suspended sentence of a term or terms of imprisonment which has not ended;
is not an undischarged bankrupt;
has attained 25 years of age; and
is a citizen
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 24(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/03/27
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: There are no provisions requiring affiliation with a political party to be a presidential or parliamentary candidate. Candidates are elected as individuals, irrespective of their political party affiliation.
Source: Constitution; Representation of the People Act, as amended: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/em/electoral-management-case-studies/vanuatu-limitations-to-the-independence-of-the-emb
Verified: 2025/03/27
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments: No provisions for public financing of political parties.
Source: Constitution; Representation of the People Act, as amended.
Verified: 2025/03/27
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding of political parties.
Source: Constitution; Representation of the People Act, as amended.
Verified: 2016/01/26
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political Parties are established as private organizations. There is no regulation of their funding
Some political parties choose to register under the Charitable Organizations (Incorporation) Act
"Candidates of the Vanuatu Presidential Party are funded externally,” [the VPIEF] added saying “some of them (candidates) who have business back up pay their own fees while fees for some others are paid for by sources outside of VPIEF.” "
Source: Constitution; Representation of the People Act, as amended.
https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/em/electoral-management-case-studies/vanuatu-limitations-to-the-independence-of-the-emb
http://dailypost.vu/news/vanuatu-presidential-party-is-not-financed-by-vpief/article_07516aca-c8c7-5190-82a2-c27b6260df59.html?mode=jqm
Verified: 2025/03/27
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Counting is done immediately after the poling stations close.
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, Schedule 5 (16): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request e . Court order
Comments: A return observer representing a particular candidate's campaign may request as many recounts as the returning officer finds reasonable for a particular polling station. The Supreme Court may order an investigation of the vote count as part of an investigation raised by an election petition.
Source: Representation of the People Act, Art. 62 & Schedule 5 (18): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
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):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions for either free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to be allocated to political parties.
Source: Constitution; Representation of the People Act, as amended.
Verified: 2025/04/03
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/04/03
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: There are no references to any blackout period in the Electoral Law.
Source:
Verified: 2025/04/03
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no provisions regulating the expenditures and financing of political parties.
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended.
Verified: 2025/04/03
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: A bill for an amendment of a provision of the Constitution regarding the status of Bislama, English and French, the electoral system, or the parliamentary system, passed by Parliament under Article 85, shall not come into effect unless it has been supported in a national referendum.
Source: Constitution, art. 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A bill for an amendment of a provision of the Constitution regarding the status of Bislama, English and French, the electoral system, or the parliamentary system, passed by Parliament under Article 85, shall not come into effect unless it has been supported in a national referendum.
Source: Constitution, art. 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No provisions for optional referenda in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No provisions for citizen's initiatives at the national level.
Source: Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No.
Source: Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No.
Source: Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: Referenda on Constitutional Amendments regarding the status of Bislama, English and French, the electoral system, or the parliamentary system, passed by Parliament under Article 85, are always binding.
Source: Constitution, art. 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
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:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
Verified: 2016/01/27
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/01/27
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections h . By proxy
Comments: a) At a specific polling station in the locality where they are registered on the electoral roll in their polling district.
h) Proxy application must be provided at least 72 hours before election time.
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 31 & art. 34: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/04/10
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 11(1) & 34 (schedule 4, part. 1(1)): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/04/10
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
c . Special polling stations d . By proxy
Comments: c) Special polling stations (specified in electoral roll) by proxy, plus one overseas polling station in Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Source: Representation of the People Act, as amended, art. 5 & 34 (schedule 4, part.1(1)): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/04/10
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: by manually picking and inserting a simple ballot into a ballot envelope before depositing into the ballot box.
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 37 (schedule 5(10)(2)): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-representation-of-the-people-act-1982-as/at_download/file
Verified: 2025/04/10
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