What type of electoral system does Trinidad and Tobago have?
Under the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago Act of 1976, Trinidad and Tobago is a democratic Republic within the Commonwealth with its own President as titular Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Between 31 August 1962 when Trinidad and Tobago obtained its independence from Great Britain, and 24, September 1976 when the Republican constitution was enacted, the Head of State was her Majesty the Queen of England who was represented by a Governor – General. The Parliament consists of a Bicameral Legislature composed of an Upper House – the Senate, and a Lower House – the House of Representatives organised according to the Westminister or first past the post system. The Senate consists of 31 appointed members, 16 being appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, 6 on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and 9 at the discretion of the President. The House of Representatives consists of 41 (39 for Trinidad and 2 for Tobago) members elected by
