Politics of Wallis and Futuna

Politics of Wallis and Futuna takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Assembly is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.

The territory of Wallis and Futuna is divided into three traditional chiefdoms ("royaumes coutumiers"): `Uvea, on the island of Wallis, Sigave, on the western part of the island of Futuna, and Tu`a (Alo), on the island of Alofi and on the eastern part of the island of Futuna. Uvea is further subdivided into three districts: Hanake, Hihifo, and Mua. The capital of the territory is Matâ'Utu on the island of Wallis, the most populated island. As a territory of France, it is governed under the French constitution of September 28, 1958, uses both the French legal system and customary local laws ("coutume") , and suffrage is universal for those over 18 years of age. The French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; the high administrator is appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the assembly.

Executive branch

The head of state is President Nicolas Sarkozy of France as represented by High Administrator Richard Didier, who was appointed in August 2006. [http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Wallis_Futuna.html] The head of government is President of the Territorial Assembly Patalione Kanimoa. The Council of the Territory consists of three kings (kings of the three traditional chiefdoms) and three members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly.

Legislative branch

The legislative branch consists of the unicameral Territorial Assembly or "Assemblée territoriale" of 20 seats; the members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms. Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and one deputy to the French National Assembly.

Political parties and elections

Judicial branch

Justice is generally administered under French law by a tribunal of first instance in Matâ'Utu, but the three traditional chiefdoms administer justice according to customary law ("coutume", only for non criminal cases). The court of appeal is in Nouméa, New Caledonia.

International relations

The territory participates in the Franc Zone, and Secretariat of the Pacific Community.