View source for Politics of Tuvalu

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Politics of Tuvalu}}
The '''politics of [[Tuvalu]]''' takes place in a framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] [[monarchy]], whereby the [[Monarchy of Tuvalu|monarch]] is the [[head of state]], represented by the [[Governor-General of Tuvalu|governor-general]], while the [[Prime Minister of Tuvalu|prime minister]] is the [[head of government]]. [[Executive power]] is exercised by the government.

The ''[[Constitution of Tuvalu]]'' states that it is "the supreme law of Tuvalu" and that "all other laws shall be interpreted and applied subject to this Constitution"; it sets out the [[Bill of rights|Principles of the Bill of Rights]] and the [[Fundamental rights|Protection of the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms]].<ref name="CofT23">{{cite web| last = | first = |title= Constitution of Tuvalu |publisher= Government of Tuvalu|page=|date = 1 October 2023|url= https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_2.pdf | accessdate=27 November 2023}}</ref> In 1986 the Constitution adopted upon independence was amended in order to give attention to Tuvaluan custom and tradition as well as the aspirations and values of the Tuvaluan people.<ref name="SL92">{{cite journal|first= Stephen |last= Levine |title = Constitutional Change in Tuvalu |year= 1992|volume= 27 |issue=3|journal= Australian Journal of Political Science |pages=492–509 |doi=10.1080/00323269208402211}}</ref><ref name="SF">{{cite journal|first=Sue |last=Farran |title = Obstacle to Human Rights? Considerations from the South Pacific|url=http://jlp.bham.ac.uk/volumes/52/farran-art.pdf|year=2006|journal= Journal of Legal Pluralism|pages=77–105|doi=10.1080/07329113.2006.10756592 |s2cid=143975144 }}</ref> The changes placed greater emphasis on Tuvaluan community values rather than Western concepts of individual freedom.<ref name="SL92"/> The Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023,<ref name="SKJM">{{cite web| last = Simon Kofe and Jess Marinaccio | first = |title= Tuvalu Constitution updated: culture, climate change and decolonisation |publisher= DevPolicyBlog - Development Policy Centre |page=|date = 21 September 2023 |url= https://devpolicy.org/tuvalu-constitution-updated-culture-climate-change-and-decolonisation-20230921/| accessdate=27 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="EDO23">{{cite web| last = | first = |title= EDO’s expert assistance to Tuvalu Constitutional Reform Project: Interview with Dr Bal Kama|publisher= Environmental Defenders Office |page=|date = 21 September 2023 |url= https://www.edo.org.au/2023/09/21/edos-expert-assistance-to-tuvalu-constitutional-reform-project-interview-with-dr-bal-kama/| accessdate=27 November 2023}}</ref> further addressed the role of Tuvaluan culture, and also referred to the [[Climate change in Tuvalu|climate crisis]], and Tuvalu’s statehood and national boundaries.<ref name="SKJM"/>

Tuvalu follows the [[Westminster system]] of representative democracy although Tuvalu is a [[non-partisan democracy]] and [[elections in Tuvalu]] take place without reference to formal [[political party|political parties]].<ref name="IPU81">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |date =1981|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/TUVALU_1981_E.PDF| access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> At the date of independence there were 12 members of the Parliament of Tuvalu.<ref name="IPU98">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |date =1998|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2327_98.htm| access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> Amendments to the Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act in 1999 and 2000 increased the membership of parliament to 15 MPs.<ref name="QC0">{{cite web| last =Clements| first =Quiton  | work= UNDP |title=Tuvalu Legislative Needs Assessment|date =December 2000|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-332069776/view?sectionId=nla.obj-337518629&partId=nla.obj-332125698#page/n25/mode/1up| accessdate=4 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="PPJF">{{cite web| last = Paulson Panapa & Jon Fraenkel| work= Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University |title= The Loneliness of the Pro-Government Backbencher and the Precariousness of Simple Majority Rule in Tuvalu|date = 2008|url= http://ips.cap.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/08_02.pdf| access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> The Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Amendment Act 2019 increased the number of elected representatives for the electorate of [[Nukulaelae]] to become 2 MPs. So that each of the 8 island electorates is represented by 2 MPs, with [[Niulakita]] being represented by the MPs from [[Niutao]].

The 16 members of the current parliament are elected from eight two-seat constituencies via [[plurality block voting]].<ref name=ipu>{{cite web |title=Election results |url=https://data.ipu.org/node/179/elections?chamber_id=13549 |publisher=[[Inter-Parliamentary Union]] |access-date=21 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528192107/https://data.ipu.org/node/179/elections?chamber_id=13549 |archive-date=28 May 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Electoral system |url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2327_B.htm |publisher=[[Inter-Parliamentary Union]] |website=archive.ipu.org|access-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203213948/http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2327_B.htm |archive-date=3 February 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ipu1>{{cite web |title=Electoral system |url=https://data.ipu.org/node/179/elections/electoral-system?chamber_id=13549 |publisher=[[Inter-Parliamentary Union]] |access-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919194758/https://data.ipu.org/node/179/elections/electoral-system?chamber_id=13549 |archive-date=19 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Tuvaluans participated in the political institutions of the [[Gilbert and Ellice Islands]] Colony during the transition to [[self-determination]].  A [[1974 Ellice Islands self-determination referendum|referendum was held in December 1974]] to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should each have their own administration.<ref name=N>Nohlen, D, Grotz, F & Hartmann, C (2001) ''Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume II'', p831 {{ISBN|0-19-924959-8}}</ref> As a consequence of the referendum the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony ceased to exist on 1 January 1976 and the separate British colonies of [[Kiribati]] and [[Tuvalu]] came into existence.<ref name="TAHTI">{{cite book |author=Tito Isala |editor-first1=Hugh |editor-last1=Laracy |title=Tuvalu: A History|year= 1983 |publisher= University of the South Pacific/Government of Tuvalu|pages=153–177|chapter= Chapter 20, Secession and Independence}}</ref>

In [[2008 Tuvaluan constitutional referendum|2008 Tuvaluans rejected a constitutional referendum]] that proposed replacing the [[Monarch of Tuvalu|Queen]] of [[Tuvalu]], with an elected president as the [[head of state]].

==Executive branch==

{{See also|Cabinet of Tuvalu}}{{office-table}}
|[[Monarch of Tuvalu|Monarch]]
|{{Current Tuvaluan monarch |King |Charles III}}
|rowspan=2 {{n/a}}
|{{Current Tuvaluan monarch |ascension}}
|-
|[[Governor-General of Tuvalu|Governor-General]]
| The Rev. [[Tofiga Vaevalu Falani|Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani]] 
|28 September 2021
|-
|[[Prime Minister of Tuvalu|Prime Minister]]
|[[Feleti Teo]]
|[[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
|26 February 2024
|}
{{Current Tuvaluan monarch |King |Charles III}}—as the [[Monarchy of Tuvalu|{{Current Tuvaluan monarch |King}} of Tuvalu]]—is the [[List of heads of state of Tuvalu|head of state]], represented by the [[Governor-General of Tuvalu|governor-general]], who is appointed by the King on advice of the [[Prime Minister of Tuvalu]]. The prime minister is elected by the members of the [[Parliament of Tuvalu|parliament]].  The members also elect the [[List of Speakers of the Parliament of Tuvalu|Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu]] who is the [[Speaker (politics)|presiding officer]] of the parliament. The [[Minister (government)|ministers]] that form the [[Cabinet of Tuvalu|cabinet]] are appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister.<ref name="IPU81"/> The [[Attorney-General]] sits in parliament, but does not vote: the parliamentary role of the Attorney-General is purely advisory.<ref name="IPU81"/> The current Attorney-General is [[Laingane Italeli Talia]].<ref name="UNinfo">{{cite web| title= Human Rights Council adopted the UPR outcomes of Tuvalu | publisher= United Nations Information Centre Canberra |date= 20 September 2014|url= http://un.org.au/2013/09/20/human-rights-council-adopted-the-upr-outcomes-of-tuvalu/|access-date=16 January 2014}}</ref>

The Office of the Prime Minister supports the prime minister and the deputy prime minister and also has responsibility for the public service, the police, immigration, broadcasting and media. The [[Cabinet of Tuvalu]] consists of the Prime Minister and eight ministers, who are allocated the portfolios made up of the government departments that each minister supervises.

During the governments of [[Bikenibeu Paeniu]], [[Ionatana Ionatana]],<ref name="QC0">{{cite web| last =Clements| first =Quiton  | work= UNDP |title=Tuvalu Legislative Needs Assessment|date =December 2000|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-332069776/view?sectionId=nla.obj-337518629&partId=nla.obj-332125698#page/n25/mode/1up| accessdate=4 October 2021}}</ref>  and [[Faimalaga Luka]], members of parliament who were not ministers were appointed to positions described variously as ‘Special Ministerial Advisers” and “Parliamentarians with Special Responsibilities” and, in one case, as Chairman of a Public Service Reform Committee. A decision of the [[High Court of Tuvalu]] in 2003 determined that “Cabinet did not have the power to make these appointments and the purported use of such a power was unlawful.”<ref name="AG2003-2">{{cite web| work= PACLII |title= Latasi v R, ex parte Attorney General [2003] TVHC 24; HC Civil Case No 03 of 2002 (30 September 2003) |url= http://www.paclii.org/tv/cases/TVHC/2003/24.html| access-date=6 October 2021}}</ref>

==Judicial branch==

Tuvalu maintains an independent [[judiciary]] consisting of a High Court, Magistrates Court on [[Funafuti]] and Island Courts and Lands Courts on each island. Appeals in relation to land disputes are made to the Lands Courts Appeal Panel. Appeals from the Island Courts and the Lands Courts Appeal Panel are made to the Magistrates Court, which has jurisdiction to hear civil cases involving up to $10,000. The superior court is the [[High Court of Tuvalu]] as it has unlimited [[original jurisdiction]] and hears appeals from the lower courts. The senior judicial officer is the [[Chief Justice of Tuvalu]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michaelkirbychambers.com/charles-sweeney-qc/|title = - Charles Sweeney QC FTI FAICA}}</ref> Rulings of the High Court can be appealed to the [[Court of Appeal of Tuvalu]]. From the Court of Appeal, there is a right of appeal to His Majesty the King in Council, i.e., the [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council|Privy Council]] in London. No cases have been filed from Tuvalu in the [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]] yet, but it is available as an option.<ref name="SPL">{{cite book |last1= Jennifer Corrin-Care, Tess Newton and Don Paterson |title= Introduction to South Pacific Law |year= 1999 |publisher= Cavendish Publishing Ltd |location= London }}</ref><ref name="PACLIIct">{{cite web| work=Tuvalu Courts System Information |title=PACLII |url= http://www.paclii.org/tv/courts.html| access-date=10 March 2013}}</ref>

The [[law of Tuvalu]] comprises the Acts voted into law by the Parliament of Tuvalu and statutory instruments that become law; certain Acts passed by the Parliament of the UK (during the time Tuvalu was either a British protectorate or British colony); the [[common law]]; and [[customary law]] (particularly in relation to the ownership of land).<ref name="SPL"/><ref name="PACLIIct"/>

==Legislative branch==

{{see also| Parliament of Tuvalu }}

The [[legislative branch]] is the [[unicameral]] [[Parliament of Tuvalu]] or ''Palamene o Tuvalu'' has 16 members, elected for a four-year term in 8 double-seat [[constituency|constituencies]], so that each of the 8 island electorates is represented by 2 MPs, with ([[Niulakita]] is represented by the MPs from [[Niutao]]). During the time that Tuvalu was a British dependency, the parliament was called the [[House of Assembly]] or ''Fale I Fono''.<ref name="IPU89"/>

==Ombudsman==

In 2014, the office of the Chief Ombudsman was established, with the appointment of [[Sa'aga Talu Teafa]]. The primary role of the Chief Ombudsman is to work to achieve good governance through the enforcement of the Leadership Code Act.<ref name="Omb">{{cite web  | work=Tuvalu appoints first Chief Ombudsman |title=PACNEWS |date =12 August 2014|url= http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=115660639653e938ef5a6098f10fa3| access-date=26 May 2014}}</ref>

==Democratic values in Tuvalu==

{{see also|Elections and political parties in Tuvalu}}

===Democratic, non-partisan politics===

Democratic values in Tuvalu are strong with free [[election]]s every 4 years by universal adult [[suffrage]].<ref name="IPU25">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |date =13 April 2015|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2327_E.htm| access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> There are no formal political parties so all candidates are [[non-partisan]],<ref name="IPU81"/> and election campaigns are largely on the basis of personal/family ties and reputation.<ref name="IPU81"/> Tuvalu has "about 6,000 eligible voters" &ndash; a little over half the country's population.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130124231101/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g_vabC-tHeSX-muzn3TM9M3LhXRA "Tuvalu goes to the polls"], [[Agence France Presse]], 16 September 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201009/s3013957.htm "Tuvalu completes voting in national elections"], Radio Australia, 16 September 2010.</ref>

[[Member of Parliament|Members of parliament]] have very close ties to the island they represent. Often the northern islands in the country compete against the southern islands with the center holding the [[Balance of power (parliament)|balance of power]].<ref name="PPJF">{{cite web| last = Paulson Panapa & Jon Fraenkel| work= Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University |title= The Loneliness of the Pro-Government Backbencher and the Precariousness of Simple Majority Rule in Tuvalu|date = 2008|url= http://ips.cap.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/08_02.pdf| access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> Traditional chiefs also still play a significant role in influencing island affairs, particularly on the outer islands. A long-held distinction between chiefs and commoners is slowly disappearing, and chiefs are now more often selected on merit rather than by birth.

''Te Kakeega II'' is the statement of the national strategy for the sustainable development of Tuvalu, with goals intended to be achieved in the period 2005 to 2015.<ref name="PIR">{{ cite journal|last= Taafaki|first= Tauaasa|title= Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006, Tuvalu|url= http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2007/March/tcp-tv.htm|year= 1992|volume= 19|issue= 1|journal= The Contemporary Pacific|pages= 276–286|doi= 10.1353/cp.2007.0036|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172349/http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2007/March/tcp-tv.htm|archive-date= 3 March 2016|url-access= subscription}}</ref><ref name=TKII>{{cite web|url= http://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Tuvalu/42.pdf |title=Te Kakeega II - National Strategies for Sustainable Development 2005-2015| year =2005|publisher= Government of Tuvalu |access-date= 14 October 2011}}</ref> After consultations on each islands the National Summit on Sustainable Development (NSSD), was held at the ''Tausoalima Falekaupule'' in Funafuti from 28 June to 9 July 2004.<ref>Tausoalima means "hand of friendship" and Falekaupule, means traditional island meeting hall.</ref> The meeting resulted in the ''Malefatuga'' Declaration,<ref>Malefatuga is the area bounded by the Funafuti lagoon foreshore and the Fetu Ao Lima Church ("Morning Star"), where the Tausoalima is located. The old meaning of malefatuga is "challenge", the place where conflicts were resolved. Its modern usage is "place of identity and confidence, where good deeds are recorded".</ref> which is the foundation of ''Te Kakeega II''.<ref name=TKII/>

In November 2020  the name "Te Kakeega” was replaced by “Te Kete” which is the name of a domestic traditional basket woven from green or brown coconut leaves.<ref name="TK2020">{{cite web| last = Tausi | first = Kitiona | title = Minister Announces New Name For National Strategy For Sustainable Development|date=  30 November 2020|publisher= Tuvalu Paradise| url= https://tuvaluparadise.tv/2020/11/30/minister-announces-new-name-for-national-strategy-for-sustainable-development/| access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref> Symbolically, “Te Kete”  has biblical significance for [[Religion in Tuvalu|Tuvaluan Christian traditions]] by referencing to the basket or the cradle that saved the life of [[Moses]].<ref name="TK2020"/>

===Representation of women===

Throughout the history of the [[Parliament of Tuvalu]] three women have been elected: [[Naama Maheu Latasi]], from 1989 to 1997;<ref name="IPU89">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |year =1989|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2327_89.htm| access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> and [[Pelenike Isaia]] who was elected in [[2011 Nui by-election|a by-election in 2011]],<ref name="IPU10">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |year =2010|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2327_E.htm| access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> serving until the 2015 general election; and Dr [[Puakena Boreham]] was elected to represent Nui in the 2015 general election,<ref name="RNZ100415">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Cabinet position could await new Tuvalu MP|date =10 April 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/270875/cabinet-position-could-await-new-tuvalu-mp| access-date=10 April 2015}}</ref> serving until the 2024 general election.<ref name="RNZ-24-1-27">{{cite news| url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/507716/tuvalu-general-election-six-newcomers-in-parliament | title=Tuvalu general election: Six newcomers in parliament |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date= 29 January 2024 |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref>

The under-representation of women in the Tuvalu parliament was discussed during a consultation entitled "Promoting Women in Decision Making" was held in [[Funafuti]] in May 2010. The outcome was a recommendation for the introduction of two new seats, to be reserved for women.<ref>[http://solomontimes.com/news.aspx?nwID=5173 "Women Need Support to Overcome Barriers Entering Parliament"], ''Solomon Times'', 11 May 2010</ref> The Tuvaluan Ministry for Home Affairs, which has responsibility for women's affairs, stated that steps would be taken to consider the recommendation.<ref>[http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/newsroom/press-statements/2010/support-for-introducing-reserved-seats-into-tuvalu-parliament.html "Support for introducing reserved seats into Tuvalu Parliament"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926215747/http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/newsroom/press-statements/2010/support-for-introducing-reserved-seats-into-tuvalu-parliament.html |date=26 September 2014 }}, [[Pacific Islands Forum]] Secretariat, 13 May 2010</ref>

===The frequent use of the motion of non-confidence in the prime minister===

Tuvalu does not face serious governance issues. The frequent use of the parliamentary [[motion of no confidence|vote of no confidence]], engendering many changes of government in relatively short periods, has sometimes been on issues which reflect on the relations between personalities rather than on pressing national issues.<ref name="PPJF"/><ref name="GH2006">{{cite web| last = Hassall | first = Graham | work= Democracy and Elections project, Governance Program, University of the South Pacific|title= The Tuvalu General Election 2006 |date = 2006|url= https://www.academia.edu/4352305| access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> The apparent reasons for the resort to motions of no confidence in the prime minister in the period 1999 to 2004 were: the PM straying from policies supported by the majority caucus; claims that the PM was inefficient or ineffective; and accusations of corruption in making appointments.<ref name="PPJF"/>

During this period of time the terms of the prime minister were short. Bikenibeu Paeniu resigned as prime minister following the vote on a [[motion of no confidence]] on 27 April 1999. [[Ionatana Ionatana]] was elected as prime minister. After the death of prime minister Ionatana on 8 December 2000, [[Lagitupu Tuilimu]] was acting prime minister from 8 December 2000 to 24 February 2001. [[Faimalaga Luka]] became the prime minister on 24 February 2001 until he was replaced by [[Koloa Talake]] after a [[Motion of no confidence|vote of no confidence]] on 14 December 2001. Koloa Talake was appointed prime minister until he was voted out of office as a result of the vote at the [[2002 Tuvaluan general election]].

Following the elections held on 25 July 2002 six of the 15 members elected to parliament were serving for the first time. [[Saufatu Sopoanga]], a former [[civil service|civil servant]], became prime minister in August 2002.<ref name="IPU02">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |year =2002|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2327_02.htm| access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> It was expected that Tuvalu would have a period of political stability. However the Sopoanga government lost its majority in May 2003, following the results of the [[2003 Nanumea by-election]] and the [[2003 Niutao by-election]].<ref name="GH2006">{{cite web| last = Hassall | first = Graham | work= Democracy and Elections project, Governance Program, University of the South Pacific|title= The Tuvalu General Election 2006 |date = 2006|url= https://www.academia.edu/4352305| access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> Amasone Kilei, the leader of the opposition, wrote to the governor-general on 10 May 2003 advising that he commanded the support of a majority of the members of parliament and they were ready to form a government. On 20 June 2003 Amasone Kilei commenced an action in the [[High Court of Tuvalu]] seeking order regarding the appointment of a speaker and the calling of parliament. As it happened, the governor-general had, on 19 June 2003, issued a notice for the meeting to elect a speaker. In June 2003 opposition MP [[Faimalaga Luka]] became speaker of parliament.<ref name="RNZI_5191">{{cite web |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=5191 |title=Tuvalu has new speaker |date=24 June 2003 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> However parliament was not called. On 6 August 2003 the High Court declined to make the declaration that the prime minister must resign; however the Chief Justice delivered directions as to how the governor-general should proceed to take any action he considers to be appropriate under Section 116(1), acting in his own deliberate judgment, rather than as advised by the cabinet.<ref name="AG2003">{{cite web| work= PACLII |title= Amasone v Attorney General [2003] TVHC 4; Case No 24 of 2003 (6 August 2003) |url= http://www.paclii.org/tv/cases/TVHC/2003/4.html | access-date=5 April 2015}}</ref> That is, the governor-general could consider whether it was appropriate to exercise his [[reserve powers]] in calling parliament.

On 9 September Sopoanga arranged to appointed opposition MP [[Faimalaga Luka]] as [[Governor General of Tuvalu|governor general]], depriving the opposition of its crucial one-seat majority and triggering the [[2003 Nukufetau by-election]]. The winner of the October by-election, [[Elisala Pita]], joined the government's benches, enabling it to survive a while longer.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060510100356/http://www.tuvaluislands.com/news/archived/2003/2003-10-13.htm "New Member of Parliament in Tuvalu"]}}, Radio Australia, 13 October 2003</ref> The Sopoanga government was eventually brought down by an eight-to-six [[motion of no confidence]] in August 2004.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060510095708/http://www.tuvaluislands.com/news/archived/2004/2004-08-26.htm "Tuvalu PM loses vote of no-confidence"]}}, Agence France-Presse, 26 August 2004</ref> Saufatu Sopoanga resigned as prime minister and member of parliament on 25 August 2004.<ref name="IPU06">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |year =2006|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2327_06.htm| access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> Two government members, [[Elisala Pita]] and [[Otinielu Tausi]], crossed the floor to vote against Sopoanga.<ref name="PIR"/> The [[2004 Nukufetau by-election]] was held on 7 October and Saufatu Sopoanga regained his seat. [[Maatia Toafa]] was elected prime minister on 11 October 2004 with a vote of 8:7;<ref name="RNZ111004">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= New Tuvalu leader seeks stability|date =11 October 2004|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/151106/new-tuvalu-leader-seeks-stability| access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> and Saufatu Sopoanga became deputy prime minister and minister for works transport and communication.<ref name="IPU06"/>

[[Apisai Ielemia]] became prime minister following the [[2006 Tuvaluan general election]] that was held on 3 August 2006.<ref name="TNTV1">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Tuvalu elects Apisai Ielemia as new prime minister|date =15 August 2006|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/164041/tuvalu-elects-apisai-ielemia-as-new-prime-minister| access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> Many of the incumbent government ministers under the previous government of [[Maatia Toafa]] lost their re-election bids for the Tuvaluan parliament. While Apisai Ielemia was re-elected as a member of parliament in the [[2010 Tuvaluan general election]], he was not re-elected as the prime minister.

These frequent motions of non-confidence and changes of prime minister have been described as having a number of possible explanations: a new generation of politicians who were less deferential to the prime minister as compared to the immediate post-independence parliaments; politicians who were more willing to engage in tactical voting; and competition for the portfolios that come with higher salaries compared to that of an ordinary MP.<ref name="PPJF"/><ref name="GH2006"/> The larger than usual turnover of MPs at the 2002 and 2006 elections may have indicated a reaction by the electorate to the frequent changes of PM.<ref name="PPJF"/>

There were three prime ministers in the period from 2010 to 2019.

{{Main|Prime Minister of Tuvalu}}

==Recent general elections==

===The 2024 general election===

{{Main|2024 Tuvaluan general election}}

Voting in the general election that was held on 26 January 2024 began at 8:00 local time ([[UTC+12:00]]), and ended at 16:00.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Foon |first1=Eleisha |title=Tuvalu goes to the polls |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/507528/tuvalu-goes-to-the-polls |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126025704/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/507528/tuvalu-goes-to-the-polls |archive-date=26 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

Six new MPs were elected to Tuvalu's 16-member parliament.<ref name="RNZ-24-1-27">{{cite news| url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/507716/tuvalu-general-election-six-newcomers-in-parliament | title=Tuvalu general election: Six newcomers in parliament |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date= 29 January 2024 |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref> Significant changes to the composition of the parliament include the former Prime Minister [[Kausea Natano]] not retaining his seat; the former [[Governor-General of Tuvalu|Governor General]] Sir [[Iakoba Italeli|Iakoba Italeli Taeia]] was elected as an MP and also [[Feleti Teo]], who was the former Executive Director of the [[Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission]] (WCPFC).<ref name="RNZ24-1-27">{{cite news| url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/507716/tuvalu-general-election-eight-newcomers-in-parliament | title=Tuvalu general election: Eight newcomers in parliament |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date= 27 January 2024 |access-date=27 January 2024}}</ref><ref name="PDV-24-1-30">{{cite news |last1=Marinaccio|first1=Jess |title=Tuvalu’s 2024 general election: a new political landscape|url=https://devpolicy.org/2024-tuvalu-general-election-a-changing-political-landscape-20240130/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=PolicyDevBlog|date=30 January 2024}}</ref>

[[Enele Sopoaga]], the prime minister from 2013 to 2019, was re-elected in the [[Nukufetau]] electorate.<ref name="RNZ24-1-27"/> Former foreign minister [[Simon Kofe]] retained his seat in the Funafuti electorate.<ref name=ABC24-1-27>{{cite web |title= Tuvalu's pro-Taiwan leader loses seat in national election |work=ABC News|date= 27 January 2024|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-27/tuvalu-election-results-point-to-prime-minister-losing-seat/103396680|access-date=27 January 2024}}</ref><ref name="PDV-24-1-30"/> No candidates contested the sitting MPs [[Seve Paeniu]], who was the [[Minister of Finance of Tuvalu|finance minister]], and [[Namoliki Sualiki]] in the electorate of [[Nukulaelae]], so they were automatically returned to parliament.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haxton |first1=Tiana |title=Tuvalu elections 2024: Strong voter turnout reported |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/507631/tuvalu-elections-2024-strong-voter-turnout-reported |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126024646/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/507631/tuvalu-elections-2024-strong-voter-turnout-reported |archive-date=26 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=G2024-1>{{cite web|first=Prianka|last=Srinivasan|title= Tuvalu election: what’s happening, and what could it mean for Taiwan, China and the Pacific?|work=[[The Guardian]] |date=25 January 2024|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/25/tuvalu-general-election-2024-impact-china-taiwan-pacific-relations-prime-minister-kausea-natano-seve-paeniu|access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref><ref name="PDV-24-1-30"/>

[[Feleti Teo]] was appointed as [[Prime Minister of Tuvalu|prime minister]] on 26 February 2024, after he was elected unopposed by the parliament.<ref name=R24-2-26>{{cite web |first=Kirsty |last=Needham |title=Taiwan ally Tuvalu names Feleti Teo as new prime minister |work=Reuters |date= 26 February 2024|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/tuvalu-name-new-prime-minister-monday-2024-02-25/ |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref><ref name=G24-2-26>{{cite web|first= |last=Agence France-Presse|title=Tuvalu names Feleti Teo prime minister after pro-Taiwan leader Kausea Natano ousted |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=26 February 2024|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/26/tuvalu-election-feleti-teo-named-pm-prime-minister-kausea-natano |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> On 27 February, Sir [[Iakoba Italeli]] was elected as the [[Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu]] in an uncontested ballot.<ref name=RNZ24-2-28>{{cite web |first=|last= |title= Cabinet lineup of new Tuvalu government unveiled|work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date= 28 February 2024|url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/510410/cabinet-lineup-of-new-tuvalu-government-unveiled|access-date=28 February 2024}}</ref>

===The 2019 general election===

{{Main|2019 Tuvaluan general election}}

The [[2019 Tuvaluan general election|2019 general election]] was held on 9 September 2019.<ref name=RNZ19>{{cite web|first=Jamie|last=Tahana|title= Tuvalu elections: large turnover for new parliament|work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=10 September 2019|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/398454/tuvalu-elections-large-turnover-for-new-parliament|access-date=10 September 2019}}</ref> In the [[Nukufetau]] electorate the caretaker prime minister, [[Enele Sopoaga]], was returned to parliament, however [[Satini Manuella]], [[Taukelina Finikaso]] and [[Maatia Toafa]], who were ministers, were not returned. Seven new members of Parliament were elected.<ref name=RNZ19/>

On 19 September 2019, in a secret ballot, the members of parliament elected [[Kausea Natano]] from [[Funafuti]] as prime minister with a 10-6 majority, ending  the six-year premiership of Enele Sopoaga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/399106/kausea-natano-new-pm-of-tuvalu-sopoaga-ousted|title = Kausea Natano new PM of Tuvalu; Sopoaga ousted|website = [[Radio New Zealand]]|date = 19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="PN2019">{{cite web|work=PACNEWS|title= New Tuvalu PM will not attend UN Climate Summit in New York|date= 18 September 2019 |url= http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=20402131495d82df3e7f441dd4fdcb|access-date=5 January 2021 }}</ref><ref name=FB19>{{cite web|title= Tuvalu has elected a new Prime Minister - Hon. Kausea Natano |website=[[Facebook]]|date=19 September 2019|url=https://www.facebook.com/fenuinews/|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=ABC0919>{{cite web|last= Evan Wasuka & Alan Weedon|title= Pacific climate change champion Enele Sopoaga is no longer Tuvalu's PM – so who's next in? |website= [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=19 September 2019|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-19/tuvalu-ousts-enele-sopoaga-as-pm-and-installs-kausea-natano/11528694|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=R0919>{{cite web|last= Colin Packham & Jonathan Barrett|title= Tuvalu changes PM, adds to concerns over backing for Taiwan in Pacific |website= [[Reuters]] |date=19 September 2019|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-diplomacy-tuvalu/tuvalu-changes-pm-adds-to-concerns-over-backing-for-taiwan-in-pacific-idUSKBN1W400A|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> Samuelu Teo was elected as [[Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu]].<ref name=RNZ0919>{{cite web|title=Kausea Natano new PM of Tuvalu; Sopoaga ousted |website=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=19 September 2019|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/399106/kausea-natano-new-pm-of-tuvalu-sopoaga-ousted |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref>

===The 2015 general election===

{{Main|2015 Tuvaluan general election}}

The general election was held in [[Tuvalu]] on 31 March 2015.<ref name="FN310315">{{cite web| last =D’Unienville | first =Yvette| work= Fenui News|title= Tuvalu go to polls|date =31 March 2015|url= https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=423483264479521&id=333658940128621| access-date= 1 April 2015}}</ref><ref name=RW30>{{cite web|url= http://reliefweb.int/report/tuvalu/tuvalu-tropical-cyclone-pam-situation-report-no-2-30-march-2015 |title=Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 2 (as of 30 March 2015)| date =30 March 2015|publisher= Relief Web |access-date= 30 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="RNZ300315">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Tuvalu elections to take place on Tuesday|date =30 March 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269932/tuvalu-elections-to-take-place-on-tuesday| access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref> The state of emergency created by [[Cyclone Pam]] resulted in the election being delayed twice. The election was originally scheduled for 19 March,<ref name="RNZ0315">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Two unopposed seats for Tuvalu election|date =4 March 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/267784/two-unopposed-seats-for-tuvalu-election| access-date=7 March 2015}}</ref> then after Cyclone Pam caused damage to the islands, the election was rescheduled.<ref name=RW22>{{cite web|url= http://reliefweb.int/report/tuvalu/tuvalu-tropical-cyclone-pam-situation-report-no-1-22-march-2015 |title=Tuvalu: Tropical Cyclone Pam Situation Report No. 1 (as of 22 March 2015)| date =22 March 2015|publisher= Relief Web |access-date= 25 March 2015}}</ref>

In the [[Nukufetau]] electorate the caretaker prime minister, [[Enele Sopoaga]], and the caretaker natural resources minister, [[Elisala Pita]], were not opposed by other candidates. [[Namoliki Sualiki]], the caretaker minister for home affairs and rural development, was not opposed in the [[Nukulaelae]] electorate.<ref name="RNZ0315">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Two unopposed seats for Tuvalu election|date =4 March 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/267784/two-unopposed-seats-for-tuvalu-election| access-date=7 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="FN270215">{{cite web| work= Fenui News|title= Candidates for 2015 General Election|date =27 February 2015|url= https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=408767615951086&id=333658940128621| access-date=9 March 2015}}</ref> The other islands had contested ballots. The candidates in the constituencies of Niutao and Nui included former members of parliament.<ref name="FN270215">{{cite web| work= Fenui News|title= Candidates for 2015 General Election|date =27 February 2015|url= https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=408767615951086&id=333658940128621| access-date=9 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="FN030315">{{cite web| work= Fenui News|title= Candidates for General Election for Nui Electoral District|date =3 March 2015|url= https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=410427212451793&id=333658940128621| access-date=9 March 2015}}</ref> On Nui [[Pelenike Isaia]] and [[Leneuoti Matusi]] were not returned to parliament.<ref name="FN010415">{{cite web| work= Fenui News|title= 2015 General Election Results|date =1 April 2015|url= https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fenui-News/333658940128621?fref=nf| access-date=1 April 2015}}</ref> On Nuitao [[Vete Sakaio]], the deputy-prime minister, was not elected; the election was otherwise a good result for the government of Enele Sopoaga.<ref name="RNZ100415">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Cabinet position could await new Tuvalu MP|date =10 April 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/270875/cabinet-position-could-await-new-tuvalu-mp| access-date=10 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="RNZ020415">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Election looks set to return Sopoaga as Tuvalu's PM|date =2 April 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/270287/election-looks-set-to-return-sopoaga-as-tuvalu's-pm| access-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> Enele Sopoaga was sworn in as prime minister and appointed the ministers to the cabinet on 10 April.<ref name="IPU25">{{cite web| work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|title=Palamene o Tuvalu (Parliament of Tuvalu) |date =13 April 2015|url= http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2327_E.htm| access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="FN4S0415">{{cite web| last =Malaki | first =Semi| work= Fenui News|title= Prime Minister Hon Enele Sosene Sopoaga named his Cabinet (Election Special No. 3)|date =16 April 2015|url= https://www.facebook.com/Tuvalu.UN/photos/a.1436994153261278.1073741856.1433096496984377/1436994259927934/?type=3&permPage=1 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1433096496984377/1436994259927934 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited| access-date=16 June 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="FN100415">{{cite web| work= Fenui News|title=Cabinet of Tuvalu, 2015 |date =10 April 2015|url= https://www.facebook.com/333658940128621/photos/a.338643032963545.1073741828.333658940128621/427494284078419/?type=1&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/333658940128621/427494284078419 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited| access-date=10 April 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===The 2010 general election===

{{Main |2010 Tuvaluan general election}}

{{See also|List of by-elections in Tuvalu|Tuvaluan general election, 2006}}

Parliament was dissolved on 13 August 2010, and registration began on 28 August 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55268 |title=Tuvalu Parliament to be dissolved tomorrow ahead of elections in five weeks |publisher=Radio New Zealand International |date=12 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-13}}</ref> Twenty-six candidates, including all sitting members of parliament, stood for the fifteen seats in Parliament.<ref name="RNZI_55879">{{cite news |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55879 |title=Tuvalu gears up for parliamentary elections |date=15 September 2010 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=3 November 2011}}</ref> In total, ten MPs were re-elected, while five incumbent MPs lost their seats.<ref name=radioaus>{{cite news|title=Tuvalu PM, speaker retain seats as deputy PM crashes out|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201009/s3014232.htm|work=[[Radio Australia]] |date=17 September 2010|access-date=2010-09-17}}</ref>

==Changes in government (2010-2019)==

===Election of the Maatia Toafa government in September 2010===

{{Main|Second Toafa Ministry}}

Approximately one and a half weeks after the 2010 general election, a secret ballot was held on 29 September 2010 to determine the country's next prime minister. The incumbent prime minister [[Apisai Ielemia]] was not returned to a second term. [[Maatia Toafa]] won the ballot with eight votes to seven and become Tuvalu's prime minister. Toafa narrowly defeated [[Kausea Natano]], who received the votes of seven MPs in the ballot. The election results were announced by governor-general [[Iakoba Italeli]] and Toafa took office the same day.<ref name="IPU10"/>

===Maatia Toafa government succeeded by the Willy Telavi government in December 2010===

{{Main|Telavi Ministry}}

On 24 December 2010, a [[motion of no confidence]] against [[Maatia Toafa]] was carried by eight votes to seven.<ref name="RNZI_57819">{{cite news |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57819 |title=Nominations open for new Tuvalu PM |date=22 December 2010 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref> On 25 December 2010 [[Willy Telavi]] was elected prime minister with an (8:7) majority over [[Enele Sopoaga]].<ref name="IPU10"/><ref name="RNZI_57873">{{cite news |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=57873 |title=Willie Telavi the new prime minister in Tuvalu |date=24 December 2010 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=3 December 2011}}</ref>

Minister of Works [[Isaia Italeli]] died suddenly in July 2011,<ref name="RNZI_61940">{{cite news |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=61940 |title=Samoa police rule out foul play in death of Tuvalu minister |date=21 July 2011 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=3 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="ITI">{{cite web| title= State Funeral for the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon Isaia Taeia Italeli | publisher= Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau Newsletter (TPB: 01/2011) |date= 25 July 2011 |url= http://www.tuvaluislands.com/stamps/phil-bur/newsletter/TPB%20Newsletter%202011-01.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120501160553/http://www.tuvaluislands.com/stamps/phil-bur/newsletter/TPB%20Newsletter%202011-01.pdf|url-status= usurped|archive-date= 1 May 2012|access-date=20 November 2012}}</ref> which led to a [[2011 Nui by-election|by-election in the Nui constituency]] in the following month. The election was won by his widow, [[Pelenike Isaia]], who became only the second woman ever to have sat in the Tuvaluan parliament.<ref name="IPU10"/> The by-election was described as "pivotal", as Italeli's death had deprived Prime Minister [[Willy Telavi]] of his government's one seat majority in parliament. Pelenike Isaia's election restored it, strengthening the government.<ref>[http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2011-08-25/tuvalu-government-set-to-retain-power/208212 "Tuvalu PM to remain in power"], ABC Radio Australia (audio), 25 August 2011</ref>

===The dismissal of the government of Willy Telavi in August 2013===

See also; ''[[Tuvaluan constitutional crisis]]''

[[Lotoala Metia]], the [[Minister of Finance of Tuvalu|Minister of Finance]], died on 21 December 2012.<ref name="IB01013">{{cite web |last=Matau |first=Robert |work=Islands Business |title=Another by-election for Tuvalu soon? |date=January 2013 |url=http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2013/1/politics/another-by-election-for-tuvalu-soon/ |access-date=11 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502172649/http://islandsbusiness.com/2013/1/politics/another-by-election-for-tuvalu-soon/ |archive-date=2 May 2014}}</ref> The calling of a by-election was delayed until the High Court of Tuvalu ordered the prime minister to issue a notice to hold the by-election.<ref name="AG131">{{cite web| work= PACLII |title= Attorney General, In re Application under Section 131(1) of the Constitution of Tuvalu [2014] TVHC 15; Civil Case 1.2013 (24 May 2013)|url= http://www.paclii.org/tv/cases/TVHC/2014/15.html| access-date=5 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="SPS">{{cite web|last=Matau|first=Robert|title=Tuvalu's high court orders by-election to be held|publisher=Island Business|date=June 2013|url=http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2013/6/politics/tuvalus-high-court-orders-by-election-to-be-held/|access-date=11 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053300/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2013/6/politics/tuvalus-high-court-orders-by-election-to-be-held/|archive-date=21 September 2013}}</ref> The [[2013 Nukufetau by-election]] was held on 28 June.<ref name="candidates & date">[http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/1437/tuvalus-former-pm-sopoaga-has-another-shot/ "Tuvalu's former PM Sopoaga has another shot"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053304/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/1437/tuvalus-former-pm-sopoaga-has-another-shot/ |date=21 September 2013 }}, ''[[Islands Business]]'', 10 June 2013</ref> The Nukufetau by-election was won by the opposition candidate [[Elisala Pita]].<ref>[http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/1636/tuvalus-opposition-waiting-to-hear-from-gg/ "Tuvalu's Opposition waiting to hear from GG"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108011424/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/1636/tuvalus-opposition-waiting-to-hear-from-gg/ |date=8 January 2014 }}, ''[[Islands Business]]'', 1 July 2013</ref> A [[Tuvaluan constitutional crisis|constitutional crisis]] developed when prime minister Telavi responded that, under the Constitution, he was only required to convene parliament once a year, and was thus under no obligation to summon it until December 2013.<ref name="RNZI020713">{{cite web|title= Parliament needs one yearly meeting only says defiant Tuvalu PM| publisher=Radio New Zealand International|date =2 July 2013|url= http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=77230}}</ref>

Tuvalu's opposition then requested the [[Governor-General of Tuvalu|governor-general]] Sir [[Iakoba Italeli]] to intervene against the prime minister's decision.<ref name="RA020713">{{cite web| last =Coutts | first =Geraldine | work= Radio Australia |title= Tuvalu opposition demands parliament be allowed to sit after weekend by-election |date =2 July 2013|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/tuvalu-opposition-demands-parliament-be-allowed-to-sit-after-weekend-byelection/1154762| access-date=19 July 2013}}</ref> On 3 July the governor-general exercised his [[reserve power]]s in ordering parliament to convene.<ref name="IB030713">{{cite web|last=Matau|first=Robert|title=Tuvalu's parliament convenes July 30|publisher=Island Business|date=3 July 2013|url=http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/1725/tuvalus-parliament-convenes-july-30/|access-date=11 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053503/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/1725/tuvalus-parliament-convenes-july-30/|archive-date=21 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The parliament convened on 30 July 2013. In an attempt to avoid a [[vote of no confidence]], prime minister Willy Telavi tabled a motion to [[Dissolution of parliament|dissolve parliament]], but this was subsequently defeated by the opposition by 8 votes to 5.<ref name="IB300713">{{cite web| last =Matau| first =Robert| work =Islands Business| title =Tuvalu govt bombshells| date =30 July 2013| url =http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2146/tuvalu-govt-bombshells/| access-date =11 August 2013| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140429162109/http://islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2146/tuvalu-govt-bombshells/| archive-date =29 April 2014}}</ref> The same day [[Taom Tanukale]], the health minister, resigned from the parliament (and thus also from the government).<ref name="IB300713"/> His resignation appeared to be political manoeuvre as Willy Telavi responded by insisting that parliament should be suspended until a by-election was held and declined to call the by-election. In Tuvalu a by-election can only be called when requested by the prime minister.<ref name="RA310713">{{cite web| last = Cooney | first = Campbell | work= Australia News Network |title= Tuvalu speaker blocks no-confidence motion|date =31 July 2013|url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-31/tuvalu-speaker-blocks-no-confidence-motion/4856426| access-date=5 August 2013}}</ref>

The governor-general then proceeded to exercise his reserve powers to order Mr Telavi's removal and the appointment of [[Enele Sopoaga]] as interim prime minister.<ref name=IB010814>{{cite news| url=http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2183/gg-appoints-sopoaga-as-tuvalus-caretaker-pm/| last=Matau| first=Robert| title=GG appoints Sopoaga as Tuvalu's caretaker PM| date=1 August 2013| newspaper=Island Business| access-date=8 August 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010153108/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2183/gg-appoints-sopoaga-as-tuvalus-caretaker-pm/| archive-date=10 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="SMH020813">{{cite web| last=AFP| first=Report| work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |title= Dismissal crisis rocks Tuvalu|date =2 August 2013|url= http://www.smh.com.au/world/dismissal-crisis-rocks-tuvalu-20130802-2r54l.html#ixzz2b3BIryEF| access-date=5 August 2013}}</ref> The governor-general also ordered that parliament sit on Friday 2 August to allow a vote of no-confidence in Mr Telavi and his government.<ref name="RA010813">{{cite web| last = Cooney | first = Campbell | work= Australia News Network |title= Tuvalu government faces constitutional crisis|date =1 August 2013|url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-01/tuvalu-government-in-crisis/4859432| access-date=5 August 2013}}</ref> Telavi then proceeded to write to [[Queen Elizabeth II]] (as the head of state of Tuvalu) informing her that he was dismissing Mr Italeli from his position as governor-general.<ref name="SMH020813"/><ref name=ABC>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-01/tuvalu-government-in-crisis/4859432| title=Tuvalu government faces constitutional crisis| date=1 August 2013| publisher=Australia Network News| access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-06/tuvalu-new-pm-confident-of-winning-next-election/4869580| last=Cooney| first=Campbell| title=Confident Tuvalu PM voice for climate change| date=6 August 2013| publisher=ABC| access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref> The Queen gave no indication of her reaction to Telavi's letter, leaving Italeli's position secure.<ref name=ABC />

On Friday 2 August, Willy Tevali faced a motion of no confidence; the voting was eight for the motion, four against and one abstention - the speaker of parliament abstained from voting on the motion.<ref name="RA040813">{{cite web| last = Cooney | first = Campbell | work= Australia News Network |title=Tuvalu parliament elects new prime minister|date =4 August 2013|url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-02/an-tuvalu-parliament-votes-to-remove-pm-telavi/4861930| access-date=5 August 2013}}</ref>

=== The government of Enele Sopoaga 2013-2019 ===

{{Main|Sopoaga Ministry}}

On Sunday 4 August 2013 the parliament elected [[Enele Sopoaga]] as prime minister;<ref name="RA050813">{{cite web| last = Cooney | first = Campbell | work= Radio Australia |title= Sopoaga elected new PM in Tuvalu|date =5 August 2013|url= http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/sopoaga-elected-new-pm-in-tuvalu/1170994| access-date=5 August 2013}}</ref> and [[Vete Sakaio]] was subsequently appointed deputy prime minister and minister for public utilities, [[Maatia Toafa]] was appointed the minister of finance and economic development and [[Taukelina Finikaso]] was appointed the foreign minister.<ref name="IB050813">{{cite web| work =Islands Business| title =Enele Sopoaga Sworn-in Today as Tuvalu's New PM| date =5 August 2013| url =http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2209/enele-sopoaga-sworn-in-today-as-tuvalus-new-pm/| access-date =5 August 2013| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054326/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2209/enele-sopoaga-sworn-in-today-as-tuvalus-new-pm/| archive-date =21 September 2013}}</ref>

The [[2013 Nui by-election]] was held on 10 September. [[Leneuoti Maatusi]] was declared the winner, polling 297 of the 778 registered voters. Maatusi has been a civil servant and served as the secretary of the Nui Falekaupule. He beat [[Palemene Anelu]], a recent graduate of the University of the South Pacific, who received 206 votes and [[Taom Tanukale]], the sitting member, whose resignation from parliament caused the by-election, who received 160 votes.<ref name="IB110913">{{cite web| work =Islands Business from Radio Tuvalu| title =New MP elected in Tuvalu| date =11 September 2013| url =http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2822/new-mp-elected-in-tuvalu/| access-date =11 September 2013| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140405053943/http://islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/2822/new-mp-elected-in-tuvalu/| archive-date =5 April 2014}}</ref> The government of [[Enele Sopoaga]] had a majority of two going into the by-election.<ref name="RNZ110913">{{cite web| work= Radio New Zealand International |title= Tuvalu voters toss out cabinet minister who forced a by-election|date =11 September 2013|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=79035 | access-date=13 September 2013}}</ref> After the by-election Leneuoti Maatusi committed to support prime minister Enele Sopoaga.<ref name="RNZI210913">{{cite web| work= Radio New Zealand International |title= New Tuvalu Govt to release road map for first 100 days in power|date =17 September 2013|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=79181| access-date=21 September 2013}}</ref>

In December 2013, a vacancy for the constituency of Nanumaga was declared by the governor-general in accordance with Section 99 (2) of the Tuvaluan Constitution following an assessment of [[Falesa Pitoi]]'s health.<ref name="RNZI121213">{{cite web| work=Radio New Zealand International|title= Tuvalu to hold by-election in Nanumaga|date =11 December 2013 |url= http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=81232| access-date=12 December 2013}}</ref> The [[2014 Nanumaga by-election]] occurred on 14 January.<ref name="IB150114">{{cite web| last =Matau| first =Robert| work =Islands Business| title =New speaker for Tuvalu in the new year?| date =January 2014| url =http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2014/1/pacific-update/new-speaker-for-tuvalu-in-the-new-year/| access-date =15 January 2014| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140116075556/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2014/1/pacific-update/new-speaker-for-tuvalu-in-the-new-year/| archive-date =16 January 2014}}</ref> The candidates were Halo Tuavai, Otinielu Tausi and Pai Teatu.<ref name="IB170114">{{cite web| work =Islands Business - From RNZI/ FENUI NEWS/PACNEWS| title =Tuvalu by-election sees former speaker win seat| date =17 January 2014| url =http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/4299/tuvalu-by-election-sees-former-speaker-win-seat/| access-date =17 January 2014| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140201163034/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/4299/tuvalu-by-election-sees-former-speaker-win-seat/| archive-date =1 February 2014}}</ref> [[Otinielu Tausi]] was the successful candidate.<ref name="RNZ160114">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Tuvalu by-election sees former speaker win seat|date =16 January 2014|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/233496/tuvalu-by-election-sees-former-speaker-win-seat| access-date=16 January 2014}}</ref> Tausi supported prime minister Enele Sopoaga, which gave the government a two-thirds majority of the members of parliament.<ref name="IB230114">{{cite web| work =Islands Business – From FENUI NEWS/PACNEWS| title =Former Tuvalu Speaker joins government| date =22 January 2014| url =http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/4347/former-tuvalu-speaker-joins-government/| access-date =23 January 2014| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140201200034/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/tuvalu/4347/former-tuvalu-speaker-joins-government/| archive-date =1 February 2014}}</ref> On 3 March 2014 Tausi was elected as the [[List of Speakers of the Parliament of Tuvalu|speaker of the parliament]].<ref name="RNZ051314">{{cite web| work= Radio New Zealand International |title= Tuvalu PM says ousted speaker misinterpreted constitution |date =4 March 2014|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/237913/tuvalu-pm-says-ousted-speaker-misinterpreted-constitution| access-date=8 March 2014}}</ref>

In 2015 the parliament was dissolved with a general [[2015 Tuvaluan general election|2015 general election]] set down for 19 March 2015.<ref name="RNZ0315">{{cite web| work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title= Two unopposed seats for Tuvalu election|date =4 March 2015|url= http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/267784/two-unopposed-seats-for-tuvalu-election| access-date=7 March 2015}}</ref> Following the election Enele Sopoaga was sworn in as prime minister.<ref name="IPU25"/><ref name="FN4S0415"/><ref name="FN100415"/> The [[Sopoaga Ministry]] lasted until the 2019 general election; following which the [[Natano Ministry]] became the government.

==See also==

{{Further |Cabinet of Tuvalu|Elections and political parties in Tuvalu|List of by-elections in Tuvalu}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20191231072945/https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/cobp-tuv-2017-2019-ld-02.pdf ''Te Kakeega III - National Strategy for Sustainable Development-2016-2020'']
* {{cite web| work= Government of Tuvalu |title= Te Kete - National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 |date =2020|url= https://australiaawardsfijiandtuvalu.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Te-Kete-2021-2030-National-Development-Strategy.pdf| access-date=27 April 2021}}

{{portal|Tuvalu}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{commons category-inline|Politics of Tuvalu}}

{{Tuvalu topics}}
{{Oceania in topic|Politics of}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Politics Of Tuvalu}}
[[Category:Politics of Tuvalu| ]]