Constitution of Vanuatu

Vanuatu's constitution was enacted in 1979 and took effect upon independence on 30 July 1980, establishing the Republic of Vanuatu as a sovereign democratic state in which power is vested in the people through elected representatives. It declares Bislama, English and French official languages, creates a unicameral Parliament with a President chosen by electoral college and a Prime Minister as head of the executive government, and provides for an advisory National Council of Chiefs alongside a Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The document restricts land ownership to indigenous citizens, sets universal adult suffrage at age 18, and its preamble invokes traditional Melanesian values, faith in God and Christian principles; amendment requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority, with public referendum required for certain provisions.