The 5th of October 2026 marks 47 years since Vanuatu signed its Constitution.

But what exactly is the Constitution and why is it important?

Here’s what the country’s fundamental law means, who it belongs to and what it means for citizens.

What is Vanuatu’s Constitution?

A Constitution is the fundamental law of a country.

It establishes the identity and character of the State, defines the powers and responsibilities of government institutions and sets out the relationship between the State and its citizens.

It also protects fundamental rights and freedoms and establishes how political authority is exercised and transferred.

President Nikenike Vurobaravu says the Constitution is more than a legal document.

It provides the framework for how Vanuatu is governed and sets out the responsibilities of the country’s institutions.

One of its key principles is that government itself is subject to the law.

Article 1 declares Vanuatu a sovereign democratic state, while Article 2 establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic.

This means government institutions, public offices and people exercising public authority must act within the Constitution and the law.

When did Vanuatu get its Constitution?

Vanuatu’s Constitution was signed and adopted on 5 October 1979, before independence.

It came into force on 30 July 1980, the day Vanuatu became an independent Republic.

President Vurobaravu says the Constitution reflects the vision and determination of the country’s founding leaders.

They understood that political independence needed to be supported by law, justice, freedom and democracy.

Who does the Constitution belong to?

The Constitution belongs to the people of Vanuatu.

It begins with the words:

“WE, the people of Vanuatu…”

President Vurobaravu says the Constitution does not belong to a particular government, Parliament, political party or generation.

Instead, its protection is a shared responsibility among the people of Vanuatu.

What values does the Constitution recognise?

Vanuatu’s Constitution reflects the country’s traditional Melanesian values, faith in God and Christian principles.

It also recognises Vanuatu’s ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity and its common national identity.

President Vurobaravu says Vanuatu’s democracy must be understood within the country’s own context.

He says Vanuatu is a democratic nation deeply rooted in kastom and community.

He also says Christian faith should continue to encourage forgiveness, reconciliation, compassion, service and respect for the dignity of every person.

Why does the Constitution matter when people disagree?

Vanuatu is made up of different islands, languages, communities and traditions.

But its people share one national identity and one sovereign Republic.

President Vurobaravu says constitutional principles are particularly important when people disagree.

He has called on citizens to respect political differences without allowing them to weaken national unity.

“We must learn to disagree without becoming enemies.”

He says political disagreements should be debated without destroying relationships and resolved peacefully.

What does the Constitution mean for government?

The Constitution sets out responsibilities for the country’s institutions and leaders.

President Vurobaravu has called on Parliament to uphold its constitutional responsibilities and the Government to govern in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

He has also called on the Judiciary to safeguard justice and the rule of law.

Traditional leaders, churches, public servants, community leaders and civil society also have a role in protecting the country’s constitutional values.

What is the responsibility of citizens?

Protecting the Constitution is not only the responsibility of government.

“The Constitution is not only the responsibility of government. It is the responsibility of all of us.”

For citizens, this means respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, democratic institutions, fundamental rights and freedoms and the peaceful resolution of differences.

What does the Constitution mean for future generations?

Each generation has a responsibility to protect and strengthen the constitutional inheritance left by Vanuatu’s founding leaders.

President Vurobaravu says future generations should inherit a country where the Constitution is respected, the rule of law is upheld, fundamental rights are protected and public institutions serve the people.

He also wants kastom and Christian values to continue contributing to national identity while strengthening reconciliation and national unity.

Remembering those who built the foundation

During his Constitution Day address, President Vurobaravu acknowledged surviving members of the Constitutional Committee who were present.

They included George Kalkoa, Kalpokor Kalsakau, Maxime Carlot, Vincent Boulekon, Kalkot Mataskelekele, Barak Sope, Joe Natuman, Sethy Regenvanu and Joseph Laloyer.

He also paid tribute to members of the Constitutional Committee who have passed away, recognising their contribution to the constitutional foundation of the Republic.

47 years on

For President Vurobaravu, Constitution Day is not only about remembering the past.

It is also an opportunity for Vanuatu to renew its commitment to constitutional government and consider what kind of country will be left for future generations.

He called for continued respect for sovereignty, democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, constitutional institutions, kastom, Christian values, reconciliation and national unity.

As Vanuatu marks 47 years since the Constitution was adopted, the President ended with the same words that begin the country’s Constitution:

“WE, the people of Vanuatu…”

He said those words should continue to unite the country as one people, one nation and one sovereign Republic of Vanuatu.