Tuvalu · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Tuvalu, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Constitution
- Supreme law; expressly read in the light of Tuvaluan custom and values.
- Acts of Parliament
- Unicameral Parliament of 16 members elected without political parties.
- Custom and tradition
- Recognised by the Constitution and by the Falekaupule Act 1997; applied by Island Courts and Lands Courts.
- Received English law
- Pre-independence common law, equity and statutes of general application, subject to the Constitution and custom.
The legislative process
Bills receive three readings in the single 16-member chamber and are assented to by the Governor-General. With so few members, a government majority is often one or two votes, and motions of no confidence are a routine feature of Tuvaluan politics. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of all members of Parliament, and certain provisions require a longer notice period before the vote.
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