The politics of Vanuatu take place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, wherein the President of Vanuatu is the head of state and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu is the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Vanuatu. Vanuatu’s political scene is known for its volatility and frequent changes in government.

Vanuatu’s political parties were often formed around personalities rather than clearly defined ideologies, and coalition governments were the norm. Most elected officials are members of one of the numerous political parties in Vanuatu that represent a broad range of perspectives. These parties often align and realign themselves in various configurations to form coalition governments, and shifts in these alliances can result in changes in government leadership.

On a local level, Vanuatu has a decentralized system of government. The archipelago is divided into six provinces, each of which is governed by an elected council. Customary land tenure is a significant political issue in Vanuatu, where the majority of the land is held under traditional forms of ownership. As a result, land disputes and issues related to the development of natural resources are often significant factors in local and national politics.