Skip to main content

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Electoral political system

Political and administrative structure

An independent nation, part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Its form of government is parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the British Monarchy, represented in the country by a Governor General. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Governor General based on their position as leader of the majority party or coalition in an election.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is divided into six administrative regions called "parishes".

National parliament

The National Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is unicameral. The House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has 23 seats, 15 of which are directly elected by universal suffrage by simple majority in single-member constituencies. In addition, there are six senators appointed by the governor general, four of whom are nominated by the leader of the majority party or coalition and two by the leader of the opposition, as well as two ex officio members, who are the speaker of the House and the attorney general.

Municipal government

There are no local government structures in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Duration of terms

Prime Minister and House of Assembly: five years.

Representation system

Representatives of the House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: first-past-the-post system.

Type of list

Non applicable.

Electoral constituency

House of Assembly representatives: 15 single-member constituencies.

Laws on parity and gender quotas

Does not have.

Legal instruments applicable to municipalities

Local Authorities (Termination of Dissolution) Act, 1981.

Electoral Justice

Mixed system electoral management body: Electoral Office

Although there is government control over finances and other administrative matters, the Electoral Office is legally an independent body with regard to the conduct of elections to the House of Assembly.