Constitution of Nauru

Status: Republic with executive President

Legislature: Parliament of Nauru

Independence: 31 January 1968

The constitution of theRepublicofNaurucame into force in January 1968. It provides for a unicameral Parliament, whose 18 members are elected by universal adult suffrage in multi-seat constituencies. Voting is compulsory for all Nauruans over the age of 20. It is mandatory for a parliamentary general election to be held not less than once every three years.

The president is the head of state and head of government and is elected by the parliament from among its members. Executive authority is vested in the cabinet, which consists of the president and four or five members of the parliament chosen by the president. The cabinet is collectively responsible to parliament. The parliament also elects a speaker and a deputy speaker.

The 18 members of parliament represent eight constituencies. The number of representatives for each constituency is determined on the basis of population numbers.

The constitution protects fundamental rights and freedoms. There is a treasury fund from which monies may be taken by appropriation acts. A public service is provided for and the chief secretary is the public service commissioner. Special mention is made in the constitution of the allocation of profits and royalties from the sale of phosphate.