 |
|---|
A constitutional referendum was held inVanuatu on 29 May 2024,[1][2] the first time areferendum has been held in the country.[3] Voters were asked whether they approve of two proposed amendments to theconstitution aimed at reducing instability within Parliament. The proposed amendments are accompanied by the passing of legislation regulating the functioning of political parties.
The referendum is mandated by article 86 of the constitution, which requires that any amendments related to the electoral system or parliamentary system must be approved in a national referendum after being passed by parliament.[4] The associated constitutional amendment bill was passed in December 2023 with 47 votes in favour and none against.[5]
The amendments to the constitution included:[6]
Both questions were voted on independently.[6]
| Question | For | Against | Invalid/ blank | Total votes | Registered voters | Turnout | Outcome | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||||||||
| Article 17A | 53,809 | 59.28 | 36,968 | 40.72 | 3,716 | 94,493 | Approved | ||||
| Article 17B | 52,364 | 57.98 | 37,946 | 42.02 | 3,582 | 93,892 | Approved | ||||
| Source:Vanuatu Electoral Office | |||||||||||
The new law was applied to MPs following theJanuary 2025 parliamentary election. MPs were given until May 11 to declare their new affiliation. John Amos of theNamarakieana Movement, Ian Wilson of theNgwasoanda Custom Movement, and Maty Lange of theNational United Party joined theLeaders Party of Vanuatu.Marie Louise Milne of theGreen Confederation andRobert Bohn Sikol of theVanuatu Progressive Development Party joined theIauko Group. John Lum ofNagriamel joined theLand and Justice Party.IndependentGaetan Pikioune joined theReunification Movement for Change.Seoule Simeon of theLaverwo Party joined theVanua'aku Pati.[7][8][9]
Other terms include party hopping andcrossing the floor | |
| By country |
|
| Legislation | |
| Lists |
|
