Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June)
Constitution: Local Government Ordinance of 1964
Legal system: local island by-laws
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal with three years residency
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor
(nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Robert John ALSTON (since NA
August 1994); Commissioner (nonresident) G. D. HARRAWAY (since NA;
is the liaison person between the governor and the Island Council)
head of government: Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island
Council Jay WARREN (since NA)
cabinet: NA
elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner and
commissioner appointed by the monarch; island magistrate elected by
popular vote for a three-year term; last known election held NA
December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1996)
election results: Jay WARREN reelected island magistrate; percent of
vote—NA
Legislative branch: unicameral Island Council (10 seats—6 elected
by popular vote, 1 appointed by the 6 elected members, 2 appointed
by the governor, and 1 seat for the Island Secretary; members serve
one-year terms)
elections: take place each December; last held NA December 1998
(next to be held NA December 1999)
election results: percent of vote—NA; seats—all independents
Judicial branch: Island Court, island magistrate presides over
the court and is elected every three years
Political parties and leaders: none