Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands
Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands | |
---|---|
2025 | |
Meeting place | |
Stanley Town Hall, Stanley, Falkland Islands | |
Website | |
https://www.falklands.gov.fk/assembly/ |
The Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands is the
The Legislative Assembly consists of eight elected members, three
Powers and role
Meetings of the Legislative Assembly are normally held in the Court and Assembly Chamber in Stanley Town Hall and begin at a time appointed by the Governor. The constitution states there must be at least one meeting of the Legislative Assembly every year, although the Assembly normally meets every two to three months. Meetings of the Legislative Assembly are broadcast live on the local radio station, the Falkland Islands Radio Service.
The members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have office facilities at Gilbert House, Stanley.
The constitution gives the Legislative Assembly
The
The Assembly is governed by a number of
Since the 2013 general election MLAs have been paid a salary, rather than just expenses, and are expected to work full-time, giving up whatever jobs or business interests they may have previously held.[1]
Elections
There must be a general election on the Falklands at least once every four years, although there can be an election at any time. As in most Westminster systems, the election campaign officially begins with the dissolution of the legislature. In the Falklands the Governor dissolves the Legislative Assembly by proclamation at the request of the Executive Council. There must be an election within 70 days of the dissolution and the Governor retains the power to recall a dissolved Legislative Assembly before the election, though only in the event of an emergency.
The Falkland Islands are divided into two constituencies,
Anyone aged eighteen years or over on the date of the election and registered to vote in the Falklands qualifies to be elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly in the constituency where they are registered. The Legislative Assembly is elected through universal suffrage, which in reality means that a person can vote if they are eighteen years or over on the date of the election, have Falkland Islands status be a British citizen and are a resident in the Falkland Islands on the date of the election.
Someone can lose their right to vote if they have been certified
If there is any dispute over the election of the Assembly, or the validity of anyone to vote or stand for election, the
By-elections
If an elected member of the Legislative Assembly vacates his or her seat for any reason other than a dissolution of the Assembly, there is a by-election to fill the empty seat. The by-election must be held within 70 days the vacancy occurring, unless the Assembly is due to be dissolved within 126 days.
Current composition
The last election took place on 4 November 2021 and the
Elected members
Member | Constituency | Votes |
---|---|---|
Leona Vidal Roberts | Stanley | 839 |
Roger Spink | Stanley | 691 |
Pete Biggs | Stanley | 570 |
Mark Pollard | Stanley | 550 |
Gavin Short | Stanley | 486 |
Teslyn Barkman | Camp | 184 |
Ian Hansen | Camp | 126 |
John Birmingham | Camp | 122 |
Officials
The Directorates are paid employees, members of the Corporate Management Team, the principal
Member | Office |
---|---|
Andy Keeling | Chief Executive |
James Wilson | Director of Finance |
Keith Biles | Speaker |
Simon Young | Attorney General |
Oath or affirmation
Under section 42 of the constitution, before entering upon the functions of his or her office, the MLAs must take the oath of allegiance and the oath of office. The wording for the oath of office is specified in Annex B to the Constitution:
"I, name, do swear (or solemnly affirm) that I will well and truly serve His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, and the people of the Falkland Islands, and will uphold the Constitution and other laws in force in the Falkland Islands, as a member of the Legislative Assembly. So help me God."
References
- ^ "Falklands lawmakers: 'The full time problem'". MercoPress. 28 October 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
- ^ Section 6, Electoral Ordinance 1988 (Ordinance No. 21 of 1988), read with the Elections (Boundaries of Constituencies) Regulations 1989 (S.R. & O. No. 11 of 1989).
- "Falkland Islands Government Legislative Assembly Website". falklands.gov.fk. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
- "The Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008" (PDF). falklands.gov.fk. 1 January 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 November 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2010.