Barbados

Barbados is an independent nation with a parliamentary republic system of government. The Head of State is the President, elected by an electoral college composed of both houses of Parliament. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister, appointed by the President based on their role as leader of the majority party or coalition.

Barbados is divided into 11 parishes and the capital, Bridgetown. These are further subdivided into 30 electoral districts or constituencies, each with its own council; however, these do not constitute elected local governments.

The Parliament of Barbados is bicameral. The House of Assembly has 30 members elected by universal suffrage. The Senate has 21 appointed members: 12 appointed by the Prime Minister, 7 by the President of the Republic, and 2 by the Leader of the Opposition.

Barbados does not have elected municipal governments. However, the Constituency Councils Act 2009 created 30 local councils corresponding to the electoral constituencies. Each Constituency Council has 11 members appointed by the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, and Community Development. The local Member of Parliament serves ex officio on the council.

President of the Republic: 4 years; Parliament: 5 years; Constituency Councils: 2 years.

Parliament of Barbados: single-member plurality system (first past the post).

Not applicable.

House of Assembly: 30 single-member constituencies.

None.

Constituency Councils Act 2009.

Independent Electoral Management Body: The Electoral & Boundaries Commission.