Saint Vincent (island) - Government and Politics

Government and Politics

The capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is Kingstown. The country is a sovereign parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth Realm. The executive branch of government includes the Governor General (representing the head of state Elizabeth II), the prime minister (head of government) and the cabinet. The current Prime Minister is Ralph Gonsalves.

The legislative branch of government is the unicameral House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, seating 15 elected members representing single-member constiuencies and six appointed members known as Senators.

The judicial branch of government is divided into district courts, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and the Privy Council in London being the court of last resort.

The parliamentary term of office is five years, although the Prime Minister may call elections at any time. The political parties with parliamentary representation are the New Democratic Party NDP and the Unity Labour Party (ULP).

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