A delegation from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International Headquarters met with the Parliament of Vanuatu last week as part of a CPA Democratic Benchmarks self-assessment exercise.  

The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice and, building on the 2006 and 2018 versions of the Benchmarks, were updated in 2025 to create a set of Benchmarks which meet high levels of good governance and robust parliamentary democracy.

To date, a total of 40 Commonwealth Legislatures have undertaken self-assessments against the CPA Benchmarks. The Parliament of Vanuatu is now the 41st to do so.

Speaking about the CPA Democratic Benchmarks self-assessment, the Speaker of Vanuatu’s Parliament, Hon. Stephen Dorrick Felix, said: 

“I am honoured to indicate the Parliament of Vanuatu’s commitment to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Benchmarking programme. This is a timely moment for self-examination and institutional improvement rooted in the Commonwealth family’s shared principles of good governance. In this dialogue, we reiterate our commitment to fortifying the House as a transparent, accountable, and free-standing edifice of our democracy.

This benchmarking exercise allows us to see how our practices compare against international standards, learn from other parts of the world, ask difficult questions, and resolve to implement meaningful change. We are confident that this partnership with the CPA will guide us toward a more modern and resilient institution, better equipped to meet the complex needs of our people and to uphold the principles of good governance, inclusivity, and the rule of law. This is a defining moment for the Parliament of Vanuatu and the work we do today will shape the Parliament of tomorrow.”

As part of their visit, the CPA delegation met with the Parliament of Vanuatu’s Clerk, Mr Maxime Banga, as well as wider Members and staff.

The CPA team also held discussions with a range of other stakeholders including the Australian and British High Commissions, as well as representatives of Vanuatu’s Attorney-General, Elections and Ombudsman offices, in addition to Vanuatu’s national broadcaster.

The CPA Democratic Benchmarks self-assessment was undertaken by the First Clerk Assistant of the Parliament of Queensland, Kate Reilly, and the CPA’s Good Governance Project Manager, Fraser McIntosh.

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg, said: 

“Effective Parliaments are the cornerstone of good governance, and the CPA works to ensure that Legislatures can function to their maximum potential. Self-assessment against the CPA Benchmarks ensures that Parliaments can vigorously scrutinise their practices and procedures to become better performing Legislatures tomorrow than they are today. In addition, the CPA Benchmarks self-assessments have strengthened and continue to develop public outreach, engagement and confidence across the Commonwealth.” 

Following last week’s visit to Port Vila, an Outcome Report from the CPA Benchmarks self-assessment will be generated with Recommendations for democratic reform to strengthen parliamentary institutions in Vanuatu.

The Report will play an important role in developing the effectiveness of the Parliament of Vanuatu and help contribute towards its continued implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The CPA Benchmarks Self-Assessment was supported with funding from the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). CPA Benchmarks self-assessments are usually followed by Technical Assistance Programmes which could involve updating the Legislature’s Rules of Procedure, delivering professional training for Members and parliamentary staff, or developing corporate policies and multi-annual strategic plans.

To find out more about this work please email hq.sec@cpahq.org. The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are also available to download from the CPA website.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. For media enquiries, please contact communications@cpahq.org.