Constitution of Saint Lucia
Status: Monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II
Legislature: Parliament of St Lucia
Independence: 22 February 1979
St Lucia is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, represented by a governor-general. The legislature is bicameral, with the House of Assembly of 17 directly elected members (plus the speaker) and a Senate of 11 appointed members, six by the prime minister (the leader of the largest party in the House of Assembly), three by the leader of the opposition and two by the governor-general. Parliament is elected for five years by universal adult suffrage.