Niue Government

The political system of Niue can be classified as a parliamentary representative democracy that is also a dependency (of New Zealand). The head of the government is the Chief Minister of Niue. New Zealand holds some of the responsibility for the external affairs of Niue but this is in consultation with the Niuean government. The 1974 Niue Constitution Act became law in October of the same year and provides the current framework for political activity in the country. This law ensures the constitution is the supreme law of the nation, that Niueans are also citizens of New Zealand, that her Majesty (in right of New Zealand) be responsible for the defence and external political affairs of the country, and that the New Zealand government is to provide administrative and economic support to Niue.

The Niue Assembly is the national legislature of the country and members are elected to serve three-year terms. This parliamentary house is located in the capital city of Alofa in the Western part of the country. The Niue Assembly has descended from the now-defunct Island Council, which was established in 1915, and the Assembly assumed greater power in 1974 after the constitution act was adopted.

The Legislative Assembly of Niue contains 20 members. 14 are elected to represent each village and the remaining six are elected from a national register. The Premier of Niue is elected by the Niue Legislative Assembly. In order to vote in the national election of Niue, citizens must be 18 years of age. On election day (every three years), permanent residents of Niue can cast seven votes; one for their village member and up to six from the national register.

As there are no political parties currently active in Niue, every candidate must run as an independent. There have been no political parties in Niue since 2003.