Political
St Helena is governed within a democratic system, in accordance with the 2009 St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution. It has a democratically elected legislature (the Legislative Council), whose elected Members elect from amongst themselves the voting members of the Executive Council which advise the Governor in most areas of government policy. There are, though, a small number of issues (such as international relations) which are ‘special responsibilities’ of the Governor who is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen.
Constitution
The new St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution was enacted in 2009 after many months of rigorous public consultation and revision. It replaced the Constitution of 1988, and lays out the rules by which the three South Atlantic Territories are governed and has to some extent reduced the powers of the Governor, thus placing more responsibility on Elected Members. To view the new Constitution, please click the following link: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/1751/contents/made
Legislative Structure
The Legislative Council is made up of twelve Elected Members, a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker who are both elected to their respective positions by the Elected Members. In addition there are three Ex-officio Members, namely the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General, none of whom has a vote. Of the twelve Elected Members, five serve on the Executive Council.
Council Committees
There are currently eight Council Committees made up of both elected and non elected members of the Legislative Council, Chairpersons of whom are appointed by the Governor but who must appoint to each Chairmanship the Elected Member of Council nominated for that Chairmanship by the 12 elected members. Other Members’ appointments are made by the Governor following consultation with the individual Chairpersons.
Goals and Strategic Objectives
The St Helena Government (SHG) has adopted a policy framework comprising three high level goals and eleven strategic objectives. This framework builds upon the Sustainable Development Plan 2007-2010 and sets out SHG’s policy priorities. The framework is reviewed on an annual basis. To view SHG’s Sustainable Development Plan 2007–2010 and the Goals and Strategic Objectives for 2011-2014 please click on the links to the right of this page.