Government Politics of Brunei Darussalam

Next elections: no elections

Head of state: Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah

Head of government: the Sultan

The Parti Kebangsaan Demokratic Brunei (PKDB) or Brunei National Democratic Party, with a membership of about 3,000, mostly Malay businessmen and professionals, was formed in 1985. It called for free elections and an end to emergency rule. The party was de-registered in 1988, after failing to conform to the requirements of the law. The only legal and registered political party at present is the Parti Pembangunan (National Development Party).

The present Sultan, head of state and government and concurrently prime minister, defence minister and finance minister is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Official policy is to encourage economic growth while preserving cultural and religious values.