Government and Legal System

The political system of Anguilla is based on the British Westminster model with Queen Elizabeth II being represented by a British Governor. Executive authority is exercised by the cabinet under the leadership of the Chief Minister and is subject to approval by an 11-member House of Assembly elected by universal adult suffrage every five years.

There are two main political parties. In the 2000 election, the government changed to the United Front after six years of rule by the Anguilla United Movement Party and it was reelected in the most recent election held in February 2005. Both parties are committed to the economic development of the country.

The law of Anguilla is derived from the English Common Law. The court system is administered by the Magistrate's Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Justice, with a final right of appeal to the Privy Council in the UK.