President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Chief Paul Robert Ravun, has raised serious concerns over the Land Reform Amendment Act No. of 2025, stating that the government did not consult the Council before passing the bill.

In a formal letter sent to the Office of the President of the Republic, Chief Ravun said that under Article 30 of the Constitution, any changes relating to land,tradition, or custom must first be considered by the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs before proceeding to Parliament.

Chief Ravun, writing on behalf of the chiefs of Vanuatu, has called on the President of the Republic not to sign the bill into law.

“The Constitution clearly states that changes to laws affecting land, tradition, and custom must pass through the Malvatumauri,” the letter reads.

The Land Reform Amendment Act 2025 was passed during the first ordinary sitting of Parliament this year.

Under Article 16 of the Constitution, the President must sign all bills passed by Parliament before they become law. However, the article also allows the President to seek legal advice from the Supreme Court if there is concern that a bill may not align with the Constitution.