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A constitutional referendum was held in Vanuatu on 29 May 2024, [1] [2] the first time a referendum has been held in the country. [3] Voters were asked whether they approve of two proposed amendments to the constitution aimed at reducing instability within Parliament. The proposed amendments are accompanied by the passing of legislation regulating the functioning of political parties.
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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]
- Adding article 17A forcing MPs to vacate their seats if leaving or being excluded by the party under which they were elected.
- Adding article 17B forcing recently elected MPs who are independents or the only elected member of their party to join a larger party within three months of the first parliamentary session or vacate their seat.
Both questions were voted on independently. [6]
