Prime Minister of Tuvalu

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Tuvalu

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The Prime Minister of Tuvalu is the head of government of Tuvalu. According to Tuvalu's constitution, the Prime Minister must always be a member of Parliament, and is elected by Parliament in a secret ballot. Because there are no political parties in Tuvalu, any member of Parliament can be nominated for the role. The Governor-General of Tuvalu is responsible for conducting the election, and for proclaiming the winner.

The office of Prime Minister was established when Tuvalu gained independence in 1978, although the post is sometimes considered to be a continuation of the earlier office of Chief Minister, which was created in 1975. The Prime Minister also always serves as the foreign minister of Tuvalu. If the Prime Minister dies, as has happened on one occasion, the deputy prime minister becomes acting Prime Minister until a new one is elected by parliament. The prime minister can lose his office by resigning, being defeated in a no confidence vote by Parliament, or losing his seat in a parliamentary election. Several former Prime Ministers have become governors-general of Tuvalu.

Name Took Office Left Office
1 Sir Toaripi Lauti 1 October 1978 8 September 1981
2 Sir Tomasi Puapua 8 September 1981 16 October 1989
3 Bikenibeu Paeniu, 1st time 16 October 1989 10 December 1993
4 Sir Kamuta Latasi 10 December 1993 24 December 1996
Bikenibeu Paeniu, 2nd time 24 December 1996 27 April 1999
5 Ionatana Ionatana 27 April 1999 8 December 2000
Lagitupu Tuilimu (acting) 8 December 2000 24 February 2001
6 Faimalaga Luka 24 February 2001 14 December 2001
7 Koloa Talake 14 December 2001 2 August 2002
8 Saufatu Sopoanga 2 August 2002 27 August 2004
9 Maatia Toafa 27 August 2004 14 August 2006
10 Apisai Ielemia 14 August 2006 present
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Prime Ministers of Tuvalu