| Historically, Aruba has been part of the Netherlands Antilles,
a six island federation, which also included Bonaire, Curaçao, St.Maarten, Saba and St.
Eustatius On January 1st, 1986, Aruba became a separate entity within the
Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom now consists of three constituents: Holland, Aruba
and the Netherlands Antilles (5 islands). |
Aruban Government
Coat of Arms
|
Aruba has its own
constitution, based on Western democratic principles. The Queen of the
Netherlands appoints the governor of Aruba who holds office for a 6-year term, and acts as
her representative.
Legislative, executive and judicial powers are vested in parliament which
is housed in Aruba's capital, Oranjestad. The Aruban parliament consists
of 21 members elected by universal suffrage.
The party (or parties) obtaining legislative majority are asked by the Governor to form a
7- member Council of Ministers vested with executive powers and headed by a Prime
Minister.
Jurisdiction in Aruba lies with a common court of Justice of Aruba and
the Netherlands Antilles and a Supreme Court of Justice in the Netherlands.
Although Aruba has a separate status, it still retains strong economic, cultural,
political and defense ties with Holland and her "sister" islands. In fact,
although matters such as aviation, customs, immigration, communications and other internal
matters are handled autonomously by the Aruban government; the Kingdom is still reponsible
for defense, citizenship and foreign affairs. |
