On
January 1, 1986 Aruba obtained its Status Aparte, becoming a separate
entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which now consists of The
Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles (Bonaire, Curacao, St.Martin, Saba
and St.Eustatius), and Aruba.
The political system is based on a
parliamentary democracy. Head of State is the Queen, represented by a
Governor. The Governor is appointed by the Queen for a 6 year term, upon
recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
Vested with the executive powers and
headed by a Prime Minister is a 7 member Council of Ministers.
Legislative power is exercised by
Parliament, which consists of one House. The 21 members of Parliament
are chosen by general elections every four years, on the basis of a
multi party system.
The legal system has been mainly derived
from the Dutch legal system. The judiciary is independent of the
legislative and executive power. The judges are appointed by the Queen.
Jurisdiction, including appeal, is with the Common Court of Justice,
while Cassation is with the Supreme Court in The Hague.
Aruba is an autonomous entity, with the
Kingdom responsible for defense, international maritime and foreign
affairs. The internal relations between the Kingdom partners are
defined, and governed by the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
