2024 Vanuatuan constitutional referendum

Politics of Vanuatu
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A constitutional referendum will be held in Vanuatu on 29 May 2024,^[1][2] the first time a referendum has been held in the country.^[3] Voters will be asked whether they approve of several proposed amendments to the constitution regarding the regulation of political parties and motions of no confidence.

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 include:^[6]

• Adding article 17A forcing deputies to vacate their seats if leaving or being excluded by the party under which they were elected.
• Adding article 17B forcing recently elected deputies who are independents or the only elected member of their party to join another multi-deputies party within three months of the first parliamentary session or vacate their seat.

Both questions will be voted on independently.^[6]

See also

• Crossing the floor
• Party switching

References