Government and politics Last elections: September 2010 Next elections: 2014 Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General, Sir Iakoba Italeli (2010–) Head of Government: Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga Ruling party: no party system There are no political parties in Tuvalu. Following the July 2002 general election, when Prime Minister Koloa Talake lost his seat, Saufatu Sopoanga was elected by parliament to be Prime Minister. However, after the by-elections in May 2003, he no longer commanded the support of the majority of MPs, but refused to recall parliament until after October 2003 when one opposition member was appointed to cabinet and, following another by-election, one more member joined the government benches. However, in August 2004 Sopoanga was unable to win a vote of confidence and in October 2004 Maatia Toafa was elected Prime Minister. Eight new members were elected in the August 2006 general election, Prime Minister Toafa being the only member of his cabinet to retain their seat. Parliament subsequently elected Apisai Ielemia Prime Minister. In the September 2010 general election, ten of the 15 members from the previous parliament were re-elected. Parliament then elected Maatia Toafa Prime Minister; he defeated Kausea Natano by eight votes to seven. On 21 December 2010, however, the new Head of Government was defeated in a no-confidence vote and on 24 December Willy Telavi was chosen by parliament to succeed him, defeating Enele Sopoaga by eight votes to seven. On 2 August 2013 Prime Minister Willy Telavi lost a vote of no confidence (8–4) and on 4 August Sopoaga was elected Prime Minister (8–5). Local government Ministry: Home Affairs and Rural Development Local government is provided for by the Falekaupule Act 1997, and not by the constitution. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Development is responsible for local government, which comprises eight kaupule (island councils). Local elections are held every four years. Tu v a l u The kaupule hold quarterly assemblies when the annual budget and island development plans are discussed by the people. They have revenue-raising powers, and impose and collect head tax, land tax, rates and licence fees, as well as receiving funding from national government They are generally responsible for such infrastructure and services as roads; local transport; and leisure facilities; and, in conjunction with national government, health care; education; and support to agriculture and fisheries. National development plan The Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Industries published the National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2005–15 (NSSD 2005–15) in November 2005, after a wide public and stakeholder consultation. NSSD 2005–15 focuses on eight strategic areas: good governance; macroeconomic growth and stability; health, welfare, youth, gender, housing, and poverty alleviation; the outer islands and Falekaupule (the traditional island assembly); employment and the private sector; human resource development; natural resources; and infrastructure and support services. Policy The main objectives of the NSSD 2005–15 are: • More employment opportunities • Higher economic growth • Better health care • Better education • Better infrastructure • Continuing social stability Governance Inspired leadership, honesty, transparency and consistency in the application of the rule of law are seen as fundamentally important in national development. Key policy objectives for good governance include reform of the public service, instituting sound management principles and practices, strengthening oversight of public administration at national and Falekaupule levels, and increasing participation in the budget- and decision-making process. Further information Tuvalu Islands Home Page: www.tuvaluislands.com Commonwealth Secretariat: www.thecommonwealth.org Commonwealth Governance: www.commonwealthgovernance.org Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2013/14 291
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