Jamaica - Political and electoral system

Political and administrative structure

Es una nación independiente, parte de la Mancomunidad de Naciones Británica. Su forma de gobierno es la democracia parlamentaria en un régimen de monarquía constitucional. El Jefe de Estado es el Monarca Británico, representado en el país por un Gobernador General. El Jefe de Gobierno es el Primer Ministro, quien es designado por el Gobernador General en función de su posición en tanto líder del Partido o Coalición mayoritaria en un proceso electoral.

El país se divide en 14 regiones administrativas, llamadas "parroquias".

National parliament

Bicameral (Senate and House of Representatives).

Municipal government

There is no provincial executive. Below the National Executive, there are only local parishes with limited authority. The island's 60 constituencies are subdivided into 227 electoral divisions, each of which is represented by a Parish Councillor.

Duration of terms

Prime Minister, Senate and House of Representatives: Maximum of 5 years from formation of government.

Representation system

House of Representatives: Majority: Direct simple majority vote. Vacancies are filled through by-elections. Voting is not compulsory. Senate: The Senators are appointed by the Governor-General: 13 are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister and 8 on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

Type of list

No aplica.

Electoral constituency

House of Representatives: 63 single-member constituencies.

Quota and parity laws

No.

Legal instruments applicable to municipalities

Constitution (Amendment) (Local Government) Act 2015; Local Governance Act 2016; Local Government (Financing and Financial Management) Act 2016; Local Government (Unified Service and Employment) Act 2016.