The Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023 has been in force since 1 October 2023 and forms the country’s highest law. National institutions operate from Funafuti, while local bodies serve communities across the nine islands and atolls. Tuvalu’s Parliament has one chamber and is chosen through national elections. These elections use eight electoral districts with two seats each and a plurality block vote. Candidates currently run as independents rather than through a formal party system. Local Kaupule councils provide a separate level of political representation. Voter registration for a home island or another qualifying district, polling arrangements and travel between islands can affect how people participate in elections.
Politics in Tuvalu
Politics in Tuvalu is organized through a sovereign state with a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. It combines national institutions based in Funafuti with local bodies serving Tuvalu’s nine islands and atolls. Political participation includes elections for Parliament and local Kaupule councils, with national voting conducted in eight two-seat electoral districts.
Tip
Treat national parliamentary elections and local Kaupule elections as separate participation channels because they represent different territorial levels. Confirm your registration, polling arrangement and travel needs early, especially when your registered district is not on your current island.