Vanuatu conducts democratic elections but suffers from a pattern of unstable coalition governments. Although political corruption is a major problem, the largely independent judiciary has been able to hold elected officials accountable in high-profile cases. Other persistent problems include domestic violence and societal discrimination against women.

• In a May referendum, citizens endorsed two constitutional amendments. The first, which passed with 59 percent of the vote, stipulated that when a member of Parliament leaves or is ousted from their affiliated political party, their seat must be declared vacant. The second, which passed with 58 percent of the vote, would require members of Parliament who were elected as independents to sit with a political party once in office; one-member parties would not be permitted. The twin provisions were designed to increase political stability by preventing elected members from switching parties. Similarly, the Political Parties Registration Act, adopted in late 2023, had imposed registration and reporting requirements on parties to prevent a proliferation of short-lived groups. However, all three measures carried the potential for abusive or dysfunctional enforcement.
• In August, the threat of a no-confidence vote against the government of Prime Minister Charlot Salwai was averted by a cabinet reshuffle that brought additional lawmakers from two key parties into the government, while removing members of another party that had been split between government and opposition. The changes were driven in part by a need to comply with the new constitutional provisions on consistent party membership.
• In November, opposition members initiated new motions to replace both Salwai and President Nikenike Vurobaravu. Acting on the government’s advice, the president dissolved Parliament before those measures could come to a vote, setting the stage for snap elections in January 2025. A court challenge against the president’s dissolution of Parliament was dismissed in December.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.