Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the UK
and New Zealand are represented by Administrator Neil WALTER (since
NA 2002)
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed
by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the
head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves
a one-year term
head of government: Aliki Faipule Kuresa NASAU (since 2004) note -
position rotates annually among members of the cabinet
cabinet: the Council of Faipule, consisting of three elected leaders
- one from each atoll - functions as a cabinet
Legislative branch:
unicameral General Fono (48 seats; 15 members from each of the
three islands elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms and
the 3 island village mayors [pulenuku]); note - the Tokelau
Amendment Act of 1996 confers limited legislative power on the
General Fono
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal
jurisdiction in Tokelau
Political parties and leaders:
none
Political pressure groups and leaders:
none
International organization participation:
UNESCO (associate), UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (territory of New Zealand)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (territory of New Zealand)
Flag description:
the flag of New Zealand is used
Economy Tokelau