Niue Assembly facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Niue Assembly Niue Fono Ekepule
Type
Type	Unicameral
Leadership
Speaker	Hima Douglas Since 11 June 2020
Structure
Seats	20
Political groups	Common roll (6)      Village representatives (14)
Elections
Last election	29 April 2023
Meeting place
Alofi
Website
www.gov.nu/parliament

The Niue Assembly, also known as the Niue Parliament, is the main law-making body for the island nation of Niue. In the local Niuean language, it's called Niue Fono Ekepule.

The Assembly has 20 members. Fourteen of these members represent different villages across Niue. The other six members are chosen from a single island-wide vote. All members are elected directly by the people of Niue, meaning everyone aged 18 and over can vote. They serve for three years.

Niue uses a system of government similar to the United Kingdom, called the Westminster system. In this system, the Assembly elects the Premier, who is the head of government. The Premier then chooses a group of ministers, called the Cabinet, from the Assembly members to help run the country.

History of Niue's Parliament

The Niue Assembly has a long history. It started as the Island Council in 1915. This council was set up under a law from New Zealand.

In 1959, the Island Council was changed and became the Niue Assembly. Over time, the Assembly was given more and more power to make its own laws. In 1974, Niue became self-governing, which means it could make its own decisions. At this point, the Assembly gained full power to create laws under Niue's own constitution.

The building where the Assembly meets is located in Alofi, which is the capital of Niue.

Who is the Speaker of the Assembly?

The Niue Assembly has a special leader called the Speaker. The Speaker is chosen by the members of the Assembly. However, the Speaker must be someone who is not already a member of the Assembly.

If a person who is already an Assembly member is chosen as Speaker, they must give up their seat in the Assembly. The Speaker's job is to lead the meetings and make sure everyone follows the rules. The Speaker does not vote on laws or decisions.

The current Speaker of the Niue Assembly is Hima Douglas.

How are Elections Held in Niue?

Elections in Niue use a simple voting system called "First Past the Post." This means that in each of the fourteen villages, the person who gets the most votes wins that village's seat. For the six island-wide seats, the six candidates with the most votes from across the whole island win.

To vote or become a candidate in Niue, you need to be either a citizen of New Zealand or a permanent resident of Niue. You also need to have lived in Niue for at least three years at some point in your life. Plus, you must have been living in Niue for the twelve months right before you register to vote or put your name forward as a candidate.

Past Terms of the Niue Assembly

Here's a look at some of the recent terms of the Niue Assembly:

How Laws are Made in Niue

The Niue Assembly has the power to create laws, but there are some rules it must follow from the constitution. Any member of the Assembly can suggest a new law, which is called introducing a "bill."

However, if a bill is about money matters, the Assembly cannot move forward with it unless the Premier agrees. Also, bills that affect criminal law, personal status, the public service, or Niuean land need special reports from certain officials or groups before they can become law.

A bill becomes a law once the Assembly votes to pass it and the Speaker officially confirms it. Unlike some other countries, there is no need for a "Royal Assent" (approval from a monarch) for a bill to become law in Niue.

See also

In Spanish: Asamblea de Niue para niños

• List of speakers of the Niue Assembly