The constitutional structures and electoral systems of Pacific Island States

Abstract

This article complements the country-specific studies by providing an analytical survey of the constitutional and electoral system arrangements of 22 polities across the Pacific. As elsewhere, the design of national institutions in the Pacific has provoked debate and controversy, with constitutional arrangements reflecting both colonial experiences and indigenous cultures. This article covers choices of presidential or parliamentary models, unitary or federal structures, and electoral systems. It examines methods of selection of presidents, governors and heads of state, and methods of election to lower and upper houses.