St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent parliamentary democracy and member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Our parliamentary and legislative systems are derived from the British model with fifteen (15) elected representatives and six (6) senators. These senators are appointed by the  Govenor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The parliament serves a maximum five-year (5) term of office. However, the Prime Minister may call elections at any time. Queen Elizabeth II is represented on the island by a Governor General.