President of Vanuatu Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids President of Vanuatu
Presidential Standard
Incumbent Nikenike Vurobaravu since 23 July 2022
Style	His Excellency
Appointer	Electoral college
Term length	Five years non-renewable
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Vanuatu (1980)
Precursor	Resident commissioner
Inaugural holder	Ati George Sokomanu
Formation	30 July 1980; 45 years ago (1980-07-30)
Salary	Vt 67,846 weekly (32,295 USD annually)

The President of Vanuatu is the leader of the country. Think of them as the head of state, like a king or queen in some countries, but in Vanuatu, they are elected. The official name in French is Président du Vanuatu.

The president is chosen for a five-year term. They are elected by a special group called an electoral college. This group includes members of the Parliament and the leaders of the regional councils.

The president's job is mostly ceremonial. This means they perform important duties like representing the country. They also have the power to appoint the main judge of the Supreme Court of Vanuatu and three other judges.

If the president's position becomes empty for any reason, the Speaker of the Parliament steps in as the acting president.

Before Vanuatu became independent in 1980, it was led by British and French officials. These officials were called resident commissioners. Even earlier, from 1887 to 1906, the area was managed by a joint British and French naval group.

The current president is Nikenike Vurobaravu. He has been in office since July 23, 2022.

Who Has Been President?

No.	Portrait	Name (Born–Died)	Time in Office			Political Party
No.	Portrait	Name (Born–Died)	Started	Ended	How Long	Political Party
1		Ati George Sokomanu (born 1937)	30 July 1980	17 February 1984	3 years, 202 days	VP
–		Fred Timakata (1936–1995) Acting	17 February 1984	8 March 1984	20 days	VP
(1)		Ati George Sokomanu (born 1937)	8 March 1984	12 January 1989	4 years, 310 days	VP
–		Onneyn Tahi (1944–1998) Acting	12 January 1989	30 January 1989	18 days	VP
2		Fred Timakata (1936–1995)	30 January 1989	30 January 1994	5 years	VP
–		Alfred Maseng (?–2004) Acting	30 January 1994	2 March 1994	31 days	UMP
3		Jean-Marie Léyé (1932–2014)	2 March 1994	2 March 1999	5 years	UMP
–		Edward Natapei (1954–2015) Acting	2 March 1999	24 March 1999	22 days	VP
4		John Bani (born 1941)	24 March 1999	24 March 2004	5 years	UMP
–		Roger Abiut (born 1972) Acting	24 March 2004	12 April 2004	19 days	VLP
5		Alfred Maseng (?–2004) De facto	12 April 2004	11 May 2004 (Election invalidated)	90 days	UMP
–		Roger Abiut (born 1972) Acting	11 May 2004	28 July 2004	17 days	VLP
–		Josias Moli (born 1954) Acting	28 July 2004	16 August 2004	19 days	UMP
6		Kalkot Mataskelekele (born 1949)	16 August 2004	16 August 2009	5 years	NUP
–		Maxime Carlot Korman (born 1941) Acting	16 August 2009	2 September 2009	17 days	UMP
7		Iolu Abil (born 1942)	2 September 2009	2 September 2014	5 years	VP
–		Philip Boedoro (born 1958) Acting	2 September 2014	22 September 2014	20 days	VP
8		Baldwin Lonsdale (1948–2017)	22 September 2014	17 June 2017 †	2 years, 268 days	Independent
–		Esmon Saimon (born 1955) Acting	17 June 2017	6 July 2017	19 days	MPP
9		Tallis Obed Moses (born 1954)	6 July 2017	6 July 2022	5 years	Independent
–		Seule Simeon (born 1970) Acting	6 July 2022	23 July 2022	17 days	Independent
10		Nikenike Vurobaravu (born 1951)	23 July 2022	Incumbent	3 years, 36 days	VP

President of Vanuatu facts for kids

Who Has Been President?

Timeline of Presidents

See also