Government

The Republic of Vanuatu was formerly known as the Anglo-French Condominium of the New Hebrides . The New Hebrides was the world's only condominium government and was established in 1906 by mutual agreement between the British and the French (The London Convention of 20 October 1906) which declared the New Hebrides a region of joint interest, after many years of competition and rivalry for influence between nationals of the two powers, and others such as the Australian and Irish adventurers. Vanuatu , which means "our land" in many Melanesian languages, obtained its independence on the 30 of July 1980, a constitution was adopted and the Republic of Vanuatu was born.

Vanuatu is a republic within the British Commonwealth of Nations and has its parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster System. Its legal basis is derived from the written constitution produced prior to independence in 1980. The legislature consists of a single chamber with 50 members of parliament with general elections being held every four years. The guardian of the constitution and titular head of government is the President who is elected by an electoral college comprising members of parliament, local councils and chiefs.

The laws of Vanuatu are based on English law being combined with local statutes, which have modernized and modified the common law into a climate suitable for an offshore financial centre and a local business environment.

Vanuatu has many regional affiliations including the:

• South Pacific Commission
• South Pacific Forum
• South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement
• Melanesian Spearhead Group