Politics & Government Guide in Saint Helena
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Saint Helena operates as a British Overseas Territory with limited self-government, where the UK-appointed Governor holds executive power but generally follows the advice of the locally elected Executive Council. The unicameral Legislative Council consists of 12 elected members serving four-year terms in a non-partisan system. A general election is set for September 2025 following the dissolution of the current council.
Government Type
Constitutional monarchy with limited self-government as a British Overseas Territory
Legal System
English common law
Head of State
Monarch Charles III(since 2022)
Head of Government
Governor Nigel Phillips(None)since 2022
Legislature
Voting Rights
British citizens resident on the island for at least 5 months prior to election day
Recent Developments
- General election scheduled for 2025-09-03 with 12 Legislative Council seats at stake
- Legislative Council to be dissolved on 2025-06-30
- Governance Review Report published in June 2025
- Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks appointed on 2025-09-10
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