Government and politics of Aruba

Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but maintains full control over its affairs except for issues related to national defense, citizenship, foreign relations and extradition. Aruba has its own laws, constitution, government, and official currency.

The head of state is the current monarch of the Netherlands, who is represented in Aruba by the Governor of Aruba, elected for a six-year term. The head of government is the prime minister who forms, together with the Council of Ministers, the executive branch of the government.

The members of the Council of Ministers are elected by the unicameral parliament, called Staten, which has 21 seats and represents the legislative branch. The members of the Staten are elected by direct and popular vote for a term of four years.

The judicial power resides in the Supreme Court of Justice and whose judges are appointed by the monarch. The constitution dates from 1986.

The existing political parties are:

• National Democratic Action
• Awareness for the Liberation of Aruba
• Aruba Solidary Movement
• People ' s Electoral Movement (Aruba)
• Liberal Organization of Aruba
• Patriotic Party of Aruba
• Aruban People ' s Party

Only three of these have weight in political life.