The Vice President of Nauru, officially the Vice President of Naoero, is the second-highest official in the government and supports the president in leading the country. The role includes helping manage government policies, overseeing ministries, and assisting with national decision-making. If the president is absent or unable to perform their duties, the vice president may act on the president's behalf. The position was formally strengthened through recent constitutional reforms to improve stability and leadership within Nauru's government. As a senior member of the cabinet, the vice president also represents Nauru in regional and international matters when required. The current Vice President is Lionel Aingimea, he was appointed on 16 April 2026.
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Background
Nauru has had Minister Assisting the President appointed by President since 1968 to deputize the President, and to provide an acting president in case of a vacancy, which happened once in March 2003. In January 2026, a constitutional amendment was introduced to formalize the succession by introducing vice presidential position.
Appointment
The Vice President of Nauru is appointed by the President of Nauru from among the elected members of the Parliament of Nauru. Because Nauru uses a parliamentary system, the president selects ministers and senior government officials directly from parliament after forming a government. The office of vice president became more formally established through recent constitutional reforms designed to strengthen political stability, improve succession procedures, and provide clearer executive leadership within government.
After appointment, the vice president serves as the second-highest official in the government and assists the president in managing national administration, cabinet affairs, and government policy. The vice president may also represent the president at official events, oversee assigned ministries, and act on behalf of the president during absences or temporary incapacity. Like other ministers in Nauru, the vice president remains a sitting member of parliament while serving in executive office.