Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges,
Saint Peter's
Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)
National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second
Saturday of June)
Constitution: present constitution came into force 19 December 1989
Legal system: English common law and statute law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Frank J. SAVAGE (since NA February 1993) head of government : Chief Minister Bertrand OSBORNE (since 13 November 1996) cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, three other ministries, the attorney general, and the finance secretary elections: the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes chief minister; note: as a result of the last election, a coalition party was formed between NPP, NDP, and one of the independent candidates
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats, 7 popularly elected; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 11 November 1996 (next to be held by NA 2001) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPA 2, MNR 2, NPP 1, independent 2
Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia); one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court
Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party (NPP),
Reuben T. MEADE; Movement for National Reconstruction (MNR), Percival
Austin BRAMBLE; People's Progressive Alliance (PPA), Bertrand OSBORNE