Government and Politics

Government and Politics of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Government structure, leadership, capital, military, and national symbols of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Government Structure

Constitutional foundations, branches, parties, and leadership.

Government Type: NA
Administrative Divisions: none (territory of Australia)
Legal System: based upon the laws of Australia and local laws
Suffrage: NA
Citizenship: see Australia
Executive Branch: chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022), represented by the Governor-General of Australia head of government: Administrator (nonresident) Farzian ZAINAL (since 2023) cabinet: NA elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Administrator is appointed by the Governor-General of Australia and serves as the representative of both the monarch and the Australian government on the islands
Legislative Branch: unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (7 seats) elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held in May 2005 (next to be held in May 2007)
Judicial Branch: Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court
Political Parties: none
Head of State: Queen ELIZABETH II
Head of Government: Administrator Neil LUCAS (nonresident)
Elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia
Constitution: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955
Independence: none (territory of Australia)
National Holiday: Australia Day, 26 January (1788)
International Organization Participation: none
Diplomatic Representation in the U.S.: none (territory of Australia)
U.S. Diplomatic Representation: none (territory of Australia)

Seat of government and political history.

Capital City: West Island
Location: 12 10 S, 96 50 E
Time Difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Flag, anthem, and other symbols of national identity.

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