Saint Lucia - 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.

Santa Lucía está dividida en 10 distritos.

National parliament

Bicameral (Senate and House of Assembly).

Municipal government

St. Lucia has no provincial government. There are municipal governments with nine appointed members each. Local elections have been suspended since 1979.

Duration of terms

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

Representation system

House of Assembly: Majority: Simple majority vote (first past the post). Vacancies arising between general elections are filled through by-elections held within three months of the occurrence of the vacancy. Voting is not compulsory. Senate: Senators are appointed by the Governor-General. Six are chosen on the advice of the Prime Minister. Three are chosen on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. Two are chosen by the Governor-General himself after consulting various interest groups (religious, economic, and social).

Type of list

No aplica.

Electoral constituency

House of Assembly: 17 single-member constituencies.

Quota and parity laws

No.

Legal instruments applicable to municipalities

Constituency Councils Act 2012.