It was established by chapter 4 of the 1980 Constitution, upon Vanuatu's independence from France and the United Kingdom.

[1] The functioning of Parliament is derived from the British Westminster system, and includes the principle of parliamentary supremacy, within the limits of the Constitution.

The President, as a figurehead, may not veto parliamentary legislation, unless he considers it may be contrary to the Constitution, in which case he may refer it to the Supreme Court, and veto it only if the Supreme Court declares it to be contrary to the Constitution.

Parliament is composed of fifty-two members, directly elected by citizens from multi-member constituencies for a four-year term.

Stephen Dorrick Felix who has held the position since February 2025.