Vanuatu

The three branches

Head of state — President of the Republic

Ceremonial; elected for five years by an electoral college of Parliament and provincial council presidents.

Executive — Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is elected by Parliament from among its members.

Legislative — Parliament of Vanuatu

Unicameral; 52 members elected for four years by single non-transferable vote in multi-member constituencies.

Judicial — Court of Appeal and Supreme Court

Judges appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

Custom — Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs

Constitutional body with competence over custom and tradition; may be consulted on any bill.

How legislation is made

Bills are read three times in the single chamber and assented to by the President, who may refer a bill to the Supreme Court if he considers it inconsistent with the Constitution. Ordinary bills need a simple majority of members present, with a quorum of two-thirds. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of all members; if the amendment touches the status of Bislama, English or French, land, or the republican form of the state, it must also be approved at a national referendum.

Enforcement institutions

Vanuatu Police Force

Includes the Police Maritime Wing and the Vanuatu Mobile Force.

Office of the Public Prosecutor

Independent office conducting prosecutions.

Office of the Ombudsman

Constitutional office under Chapter 9; reports on maladministration and leadership breaches.

Public Solicitor's Office

Constitutional office under Article 56 providing legal assistance to those who need it.

Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit

Handles anti-money-laundering supervision, significant given the offshore finance sector.