chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Andrew GURR (since 11 November 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (16 seats, including the speaker, three ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 31 August 2005 (next to be held in November 2009)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 12

Judicial branch:

Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal