head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006); Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1 January 2008)
cabinet: NA
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a three-year term; election last held December 2007 (next to be held in December 2010)
election results: Mike WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the Island Council
Legislative branch:
unicameral Island Council (10 seats; 5 members elected by popular vote, 1 nominated by the 5 elected members, 2 appointed by the governor including 1 seat for the Island Secretary, the Island Mayor, and a commissioner liaising between the governor and council; elected members serve one-year terms)
elections: last held 24 December 2008 (next to be held in 24 December 2009)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents
Judicial branch:
Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judicial officers are appointed by the governor