Politics & Government Guide in Vanuatu

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Vanuatu operates as a parliamentary republic with a ceremonial president and a unicameral parliament of 52 members. Following snap elections in January 2025, a fragmented parliament elected Jotham Napat as Prime Minister, reflecting the country's multi-party system. The government follows the Westminster model with ongoing political fragmentation.

Government Type

Parliamentary republic

Legal System

Mixed legal system of English common law and French civil law

Head of State

President Nikenike Vurobaravu(since 2022)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Jotham Napat(Leaders Party of Vanuatu)since 2025

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Upper House:Upper House

Lower House:Parliament (52 seats)

Major Political Parties

Leaders Party of Vanuatu(LPV)

Centrist

9 seats

Vanua'aku Pati(VP)

Social democratic

7 seats

Iauko Group(IG)

Unknown

6 seats

Union of Moderate Parties(UMP)

Centrist

6 seats

Rural Development Party(RDP)

Unknown

6 seats

Voting Rights

Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over

Recent Developments

Snap general elections held on 16 January 2025 resulted in a fragmented parliament with 14 parties represented
Jotham Napat of the Leaders Party of Vanuatu elected Prime Minister unopposed on 11 February 2025
Felix Stephen Dorrick elected Speaker of Parliament on 11 February 2025
Angelyne Roy appointed as first female Attorney General on 16 June 2025

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1980

Provinces6