Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic that has experienced severe political instability since the 1990s, with three government changes occurring in 2023 alone due to votes of no confidence[5][7]. Following snap elections in January 2025, a five-party coalition government was formed under Prime Minister Jotham Napat, with constitutional reforms implemented to prevent party-switching among MPs[4][6]. The country operates under a Westminster-style parliamentary system with a ceremonial president and a unicameral 52-seat parliament[3].
Corruption Index
Below Average
Democracy Index
Moderate
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Legal System
Mixed legal system based on English common law and French civil law traditions
Head of State
President Nikenike Vurobaravu(since 2024)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Jotham Napat(Leaders Party of Vanuatu)since 2025
Political Indicators
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Moderate corruption
Transparency International (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Flawed Democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2023)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center
Center-left
Center
Center
Center
Voting Rights
All citizens 18 years and older have the right to vote in parliamentary elections. The electoral franchise is guaranteed as universal, equal, and secret.
Recent Developments
- Snap elections held on 16 January 2025 following persistent political instability, with a five-party coalition government formed on 27 January 2025[4][6]
- Constitutional amendments adopted in May 2024 to lock MPs into political parties and prevent party-switching, aimed at reducing government instability[4][5]
- Only one woman elected to the 52-member parliament in the 2025 elections, continuing a pattern of low female representation[4]
- Major earthquake on 17 December 2024 dominated the election campaign and reconstruction efforts[6]
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