Page:Vanuatu constitution.pdf/5



CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU national heritage, and may declare one of them as a national language.

4. National sovereignty, the electoral franchise and political parties

(1) National sovereignty belongs to the people of Vanuatu which they exercise through their elected representatives.

(2) The franchise is universal, equal and secret. Subject to such conditions or restrictions as may be prescribed by Parliament, every citizen of Vanuatu who is at least 18 years of age shall be entitled to vote.

(3) Political parties may be formed freely and may contest elections. They shall respect the Constitution and the principles of democracy.

5. Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual

(1) The Republic of Vanuatu recognises, that, subject to any restrictions imposed by law on non-citizens, all persons are entitled to the following fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual without discrimination on the grounds of race, place of origin, religious or traditional beliefs, political opinions, language or sex but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and to the legitimate public interest in defence, safety, public order, welfare and health–
 * (a) life;
 * (b) liberty;
 * (c) security of the person;
 * (d) protection of the law;
 * (e) freedom from inhuman treatment and forced labour;
 * (f) freedom of conscience and worship;
 * (g) freedom of expression;
 * (h) freedom of assembly and association;
 * (i) freedom of movement;
 * (j) protection for the privacy of the home and other property and from unjust deprivation of property;
 * (k) equal treatment under the law or administrative action, except that no law shall be inconsistent with this sub-paragraph insofar as it makes provision for the special benefit, welfare, protection or advancement of females, children and young persons,

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