The Territorial Assembly of Wallis and Futuna

Political organization

Wallis and Futuna is currently divided into three administrative districts, modeled after the three kingdoms of the territory (Uvea, Alo and Sigave). They have competence ranging from civil status to road management. The administrative districts have an autonomous budget and are integrated into the organization of their local and traditional based institutions: each king chairs the council of his administrative district. Wallis and Futuna therefore has three Kings (one in Wallis and two in Futuna).

Kings are appointed within royal families. The King of Wallis (Lavelua) is surrounded by a prime minister (Kivalu), and six ministers. The island of Wallis is further divided into three districts (Mua, Hahake, Hihifo) headed by Big Chiefs and 21 villages led by village chiefs. Futuna differs from Wallis as it has two kingdoms (Alo and Sigave), each ruled by a king. Each King is assisted by a prime minister and six ministers (one per village).

The chiefdom settles land issues, conflicts between families, and organizes ritual ceremonies. It intervenes in the current affairs of the Territory through the District Councils and the Territorial Council.

Wallis has 21 villages spread over the three districts:

- Hihifo : Malae, Alele, Vaitupu, Vailala, Tufuone ;
- Hahake : Liku, Akaaka, Mata’Utu (chef-lieu), Ahoa, Falaleu, Haafuasia ;
- Mua : Lavegahau, Tepa, Haatofo, Gahi, Utufua, Malaefoon, Teesi, Kolopopo, Halalo, Vaimalau.

In Futuna, the island has 15 villages:

- Alo : Malae, Taoa, Ono, Kolia, Alofi, Poï, Vele, Tamana, Tuatafa ;
- Sigave : Leava, Nuku, Vaisei, Fiua, Toloke, Tavai.

In 1961, Wallis and Futuna Islands became an Overseas Territory of the French Republic (law n ° 61-814 of July 29th, 1961). This statute authorizes them to keep their three traditional based institutions, one in Wallis and two in Futuna, in addition to the institutions specific to the Republic of France.

Since 2003, Wallis and Futuna have come under the status of Overseas Collectivity following the reform of the decentralized organization of the Republic of March 28th, 2003.

The Territory is not part of the European Union but benefits from a special association regime as an "Overseas Country and Territory" (OCT). The regime of legislative specialty and autonomy applies to the community.

The French government is represented in the Territory by a Senior Administrator, who has the rank of Prefect. He is assisted by a Territory Council, which brings together the three traditional chiefs and three representatives he has appointed. The state exercises its powers in the areas of defense, law enforcement, the functioning of the public treasury and customs, administrative and financial control, health and public education.

The Territory is represented in the National Assembly by a deputy, in the Senate by a senator, and an Economic, Social and Environmental Advisor.

The Territorial Assembly was established by article 11 of the statutory law of July 29th, 1961. It is located in Mata-Utu, the capital of the territory.

The Territorial Assembly draws up regulations falling within the area of law, excluding sovereign matters. The community thus benefits from autonomy in matters of taxation, customs, social law and land (property) law as well as in other areas such as the environment, town planning and energy, subject to state approval. .

Its Mission

The Services of the Territorial Assembly prepare and follow the meetings of the Committees of the Territorial Assembly in the various areas of competence of the Territory. It is the deliberative assembly of the Territory.

Its composition

The Territorial Assembly comprises of 20 members who bear the title of Territorial Councilors and who come from the 5 electoral districts as follows:

For the Island of Wallis :

6 for Mua

4 for Hahake

3 for Hihifo

For the Island of Futuna :

4 for Alo

3 for Sigave.

The assembly is renewed in full every 5 years.

Its attributions

The rules relating to its powers result from article 12 of the statutory law of 1961 which refers to decree n ° 57-811 of July 22, 1957.

Its operation and organization

The rules of operation and organization of the Territorial Assembly are set by internal regulations.

How it is operating

The main authority is the president of the Territorial Assembly. The permanent committee intervenes during intersessions. Each year, at the end of the budget session, the Assembly appoints from among its members the 4 members of the permanent committee as follows:

2 for the administrative disctrict of UVEA

1 for the administrative district of ALO

1 for the administrative district of SIGAVE

It settles the cases referred to it by the Assembly within the limits of the delegation made to it. It is responsible in particular for the management of measures relating to family support for escapees and repatriation of bodies as well as those relating to social assistance (housing assistance and emergency aid) and grants to associations.

The internal committees prepare the work which will take place in public sessions. Each year, during the budgetary session, the Territorial Assembly elects its internal committees on a proposal from the bureau.

They are made up of 5 members including a chairman. Every political group must be represented. They have broad powers in their respective fields as set out in their title, but they are, first of all, responsible for studying the drafts and proposals for deliberation with a view to their presentation to the plenary assembly.

Organization

The Territorial Assembly holds 2 ordinary sessions each year: the administrative session (mid-year) and the budget session (end of the year). Each ordinary session cannot exceed a duration of 45 days. In case of necessity and for emergency situations, extraordinary sessions may be held. The maximum duration of an extraordinary session is 15 days. During the intersession, the permanent committee settles the affairs delegated to it by the Territorial Assembly.

Mandate 2022 - 2027 see Decree No. 2022 - 161 of March 23rd, 2022, publishing the results of the election of members of the Territorial Assembly - poll of March 20, 2022

Declared to be officially elected :

MUA

M. Munipoese MULIAKAAKA

M. Mikaele SEO

Mme Palatina FIAKAIFONU

Mme GOEPFERT épouse LAUFILITOGA Mireille

M. Paino VANAI

Mme Kialiki LAGIKULA

HAHAKE

M. Atelea VAITOOTAI

M. Mikaele KULIMOETOKE

Mme; Lauriane VERGE

Mme. Lavinia Malia Evenise KANIMOA

HIHIFO

M. MAILAGI Soane Paulo

Mme Sandrine ILALIO

M. Ronny TAUHAVILI

SIGAVE

M. Soane TAUKOLO

M. Tuliano TALOMAFAIA

M. Charles GAVEAU

ALO

M. BAUDRY Frédéric

M. TUKUMULI Lafaele

M. Petelo LELEIVAI

M. MOTUKU Sosefo

In Office - (25/03/2022) :

President : M. Munipoese MULIAKAAKA

Vice-President : Mr. Frédéric BAUDRY

1st Secretary : Mr. Tuliano TALOMAFAIA

2nd Secretary : Mr. Charles GAVEAU