Politics of Wallis and Futuna

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Politics of Wallis and Futuna takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Assembly is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.

Contents

Overview

The territory of Wallis and Futuna is divided into three traditional chiefdoms ( royaumes coutumiers ): Uvea, on the island of Wallis, Sigave, on the western part of the island of Futuna, and Alo, on the eastern part of the island of Futuna and the island of Alofi. Uvea is further subdivided into three districts: Hihifo, Hahake and Mu'a. The capital of the collectivity is Matâ'Utu on the island of Wallis, the most populated island. As an overseas collectivity of France, it is governed under the French constitution of September 28, 1958, uses both the French legal system and customary local laws ("coutume"), and suffrage is universal for those over 18 years of age. The French president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term; the high administrator is appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the assembly.

Executive branch

The head of state is President Emmanuel Macron of France as represented by Administrator Superior Thierry Queffelec. [1] The head of government is President of the Territorial Assembly Nivaleta Iloai. The Council of the Territory consists of three kings (kings of the three traditional chiefdoms) and three members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly.

Legislative branch

The legislative branch consists of the unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblée territoriale of 20 seats; the members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms. Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and one deputy to the French National Assembly. The next election is scheduled for 20 March 2022. [2]

With regard to the legal profession, according to a 2017 source, [3] "there are no private lawyers, notaries, or bailiffs in the territory of Wallis and Futuna."

Political parties and elections

Judicial branch

Justice is generally administered under French law by a tribunal of first instance in Matâ'Utu, but the three traditional chiefdoms administer justice according to customary law ("coutume", only for non criminal cases). The court of appeal is in Nouméa, New Caledonia.

International relations

Wallis and Futuna participates in the Franc Zone, and is a member of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Related Research Articles

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Economy of Wallis and Futuna

This page is an overview of the economy of Wallis and Futuna.

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Tomasi Kulimoetoke II 50Th Lavelua of Uvea (Wallis Island)

Tomasi Kulimoetoke II was the 50th Lavelua (King) of Wallis Island, which is known as Uvea in the Wallisian language, one of the three traditional kingdoms in the French overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna.

Wallis (island) Island in Wallis and Futuna

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Mata Utu Place in Wallis and Futuna, France

Mata Utu is the capital city of Wallis and Futuna, an overseas collectivity of France. It is located on the island of Uvéa (ʻUvea), in the district of Hahake, of which it is also the capital. It is one of two ports in Wallis and Futuna, the other being at Leava on Futuna. Hihifo Airport, the main airport serving the island and city, is 5.6 kilometres (3.5 mi) to the northwest. Its population was 1,029 in 2018, up from 815 in 1998.

Territorial Assembly of Wallis and Futuna

The Territorial Assembly of Wallis and Futuna is the legislature of Wallis and Futuna. It consists of 20 members, elected for a five-year term by proportional representation in multi-seat constituencies. The Assembly sits in Mata Utu, the capital of the territory.

Hahake District District in Wallis and Futuna, France

Hakake is one of the 5 districts of Wallis and Futuna, located in Wallis Island, in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Chiefdom of Uvea.

Hoorn Islands

The Hoorn Islands are one of the two island groups of which the French overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna is geographically composed. The aggregate area is 115 km², and the population 4,873.

Outline of Wallis and Futuna Overview of and topical guide to Wallis and Futuna

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Wallis and Futuna:

Kapeliele "Gabriel" Faupala was the 51st Lavelua (King) of Wallis Island (Uvea), one of the three traditional kingdoms which comprise the French overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna. Faupala was officially crowned Lavelua on July 25, 2008, succeeding Tomasi Kulimoetoke II, who died in May 2007. He was removed from office in September 2014.

Wallis and Futunas constituency

The constituency of Wallis and Futuna is a French legislative constituency covering the whole of the overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna. It is represented in the XVth legislature by Sylvain Brial an independent right-wing politician who defeated Napole Polutele in a 2018 by-election.

Uvea (Wallis and Futuna) Chiefdom in Wallis and Futuna, France

ʻUvea is one of the three official chiefdoms of the French territory of Wallis and Futuna in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean.

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1959 Wallis and Futuna status referendum

A referendum on becoming an overseas territory was held in Wallis and Futuna on 27 December 1959. The proposal was approved by 94.37% of voters. Every voter on Wallis voted in favour, whilst all but three of the votes against the proposal were cast in the Futuna Islands.

Petelo Sea Tuiagaifo (King) of Alo (Futuna)

Petelo Sea was, from 2014 to 2016, tuiagaifo (king) of the Kingdom of Alo, one of the three traditional kingdoms located in the French Overseas Collectivity of Wallis and Futuna.

References

  1. "Préfet / Préfecture (Administration Supérieure) / Services de l'Etat et du Territoire / Accueil - Les services de l'État à Wallis et Futuna". www.wallis-et-futuna.gouv.fr. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
  2. "Elections territoriales pour plusieurs collectivités d'Outre-mer le 20 mars". Outre-mer la 1ère (in French). Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  3. "ATTORNEYS – WALLIS AND FUTUNA" (PDF).