Parliament of Vanuatu
Parliament of Vanuatu Palamen blong Vanuatu Parlement du Vanuatu | |
|---|---|
| 13th Parliament | |
| Type | |
| Type | |
| History | |
| Founded | July 1980 |
| Preceded by | New Hebrides Representative Assembly |
| Leadership | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 52 members |
Political groups | Government (40)
Opposition (12) |
| Elections | |
| Single non-transferable vote | |
Last election | 16 January 2025 |
| Meeting place | |
| Port Vila | |
| Website | |
| parliament | |
The Parliament of Vanuatu (Bislama: Palamen blong Vanuatu; French: Parlement du Vanuatu) is the unicameral legislative body of the Republic of Vanuatu.
It was established by chapter 4 of the 1980 Constitution, upon Vanuatu's independence from France and the United Kingdom.
The functioning of Parliament is derived from the British Westminster system, and includes the principle of parliamentary supremacy, within the limits of the Constitution. The President, as a figurehead, may not veto parliamentary legislation, unless he considers it may be contrary to the Constitution, in which case he may refer it to the Supreme Court, and veto it only if the Supreme Court declares it to be contrary to the Constitution. Parliament is composed of fifty-two members, directly elected by citizens from multi-member constituencies for a four-year term.
Parliament elects the Prime Minister from among its members. Members of Parliament are also, along with the presidents of Regional Councils, members of the electoral college which elects the President, for a five-year term.
The current Speaker of the Parliament is the Hon. Stephen Dorrick Felix who has held the position since February 2025.