Constitution of Tuvalu

The Constitution of Tuvalu became effective on 1 October 1978, when Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom, establishing it as the supreme law under a constitutional monarchy within a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy. The King serves as head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General, while executive power rests with a prime minister and cabinet answerable to a unicameral Parliament. The constitution includes a Bill of Rights, recognizes traditional Tuvaluan governance through the Falekaupule, and sends final appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. A significant amendment, the Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023, took effect on 1 October 2023 and responded to climate change by declaring that Tuvalu's statehood and maritime boundaries remain perpetual regardless of territory lost to sea level rise, while also strengthening parliamentary oversight and reforming judicial eligibility rules.