Bahamas Government

The Bahamas, officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is a sovereign independent nation with political and legal traditions closely following those of the United Kingdom and the Westminster system.

As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Bahamas is a parliamentary democracy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state (represented by a Governor-General).

There are two main political parties, the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (LP).

Except for New Providence Island, the districts of The Bahamas each provide a system of local government. The "Local Government Act", passed in 1996 facilitated the establishment of Family Island Administrators, Local Government Districts, Local District Councillors, and Local Town Committees for the various island communities.