In September 1996, the Vanuatu Parliament decided to debate the Leadership Code Bill but at the last minute it was deferred again until December 1996. In August 1998, the Leadership Code was finally passed.

The Leadership Code Act [Cap 240] was introduced for the sole purpose of complementing the Ombudsman Act. It was created to give effect to Chapter 10 of the Constitution by providing for a Leadership Code to assist in the governing of the conduct of leaders throughout Vanuatu.