It was enacted in 1979,[citation needed] and came into force upon the country's independence on 30 July 1980.
The Constitution enumerates certain "fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual", establishes a basic citizenship law, and establishes and regulates the country's major political, judicial, and cultural institutions.
The electoral franchise is guaranteed as "universal, equal and secret", and in principle is extended to all adults aged 18 years or older.
An unusual feature of the Constitution is that the President is elected by an electoral college, made up of members of Parliament and the chairpersons of the local government councils.
The preamble of the Constitution refers to a commitment to "traditional Melanesian values, faith in God, and Christian principles".