POLITICAL SYSTEM

Introduction

Trinidad and Tobago is an independent Republic which has inherited and preserves the British tradition of parliamentary democracy upon which the constitution is based.

Parliament, House of Representatives and the Senate

Following the Westminster model, Trinidad and Tobago is governed by a parliament consisting of 2 houses.

The Lower House or House of Representatives is made up of the elected representatives of the 36 electoral constituencies and the Speaker of the House. General elections are held at least every five years. The upper house or Senate is comprised of 31 appointed members, which include independent members appointed by the President.

Political Parties

There are 3 major parties in Trinidad and Tobago: The United National Congress (UNC), the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) and the People’s National Movement (PNM). The House of Representatives is currently comprised of 17 members of the United National Congress (UNC) party, two members of the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) party and 17 members of the People’s National Movement (PNM) party. The UNC and the NAR joined to form a Unity Government and are now the ruling group. The PNM party are the opposition.

Tobago has a House of Assembly which deals with matters relating to the administration of the island of Tobago and implements policies relating to the island, that are referred by Parliament.

The President

The President is elected for a five-year renewable term by the Electoral College, which consists of all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The Prime Minister

The Prime Minister has traditionally been the leader of the ruling party, elected by party members.