Politics & Government Guide · Cocos (Keeling) IslandsPolitics & Government Guide in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands is an external territory of Australia administered from Canberra with limited self-government through the elected Shire Council. King Charles III serves as head of state, represented locally by an Administrator appointed by the Australian government. There are no political parties, and governance relies heavily on Australian federal and Western Australian laws.
Government Type
Non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia
Legal System
Australian federal law with Western Australian state laws applying
Head of State
King Charles III(since 2022)
Head of Government
Administrator Farzian ZAINAL(Independent)since 2023
Legislature
Major Political Parties
All candidates run as independents
Voting Rights
Australian citizens residing in the territory have full voting rights in local shire elections and Australian federal elections. Non-citizen residents may have limited local voting rights.
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