South America and South Atlantic Islands

Ascension Island (British Overseas Territory)
Last reviewed: 28 July 2009

Country information

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POLITICS

In 1998 Ministers considered the constitutional future for Ascension Island and its link with St Helena. They concluded that we should review the constitutional rights of residents of Ascension Island and promote its economic development.

For many years the island had been governed and financed by the main commercial organisations (including the BBC and Cable and Wireless), known as the 'Users' and the military. But in 2001/02 the Users informed HMG that they wanted to opt out of providing infrastructure and public services on the island and concentrate on their own interests. This decision coincided with the Ministerial view that fundamental changes were necessary in the way Ascension was run.

The Governor, Administrator, and the FCO consulted widely with residents on Ascension Island about the form of democratic government to be introduced.
A plebiscite was held in 2002 and 95% of those who voted chose the option of forming an Island Council. A general election to appoint elected members to the Island Council took place on 1 November 2002. Elections were held again in 2005.

The Island Council is constituted to consist of seven elected members plus the Director of Financial Services and the Attorney General. It is chaired by the Governor, who is represented locally by the Island Administrator. The Island Council’s role is to advise the Governor on matters of law and policy, however the Governor retains special responsibility (e.g. defence, external affairs, internal security and the public service) to protect the UK Government’s overall responsibility for good governance and security of the island.

In March 2007, following the resignations of six of the seven Island Councillors, the Governor decided in consultation with the Foreign Office, that the Council could no longer fulfil its role. The Council was dissolved and a general election called for 1 May 2007. However, as only two people put forward their names as prospective candidates, the Governor suspended the Island Council for a period of up to 12 months. In the interim period, the Governor was assisted by an Advisory Council in taking such legislative and policy decisions as he needed to take for good governance in Ascension Fresh elections were successfully held in October 2008 with a new Island Council sworn in on October 27th.

The St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009 was made on 8 July by Her Majesty and the Privy Council. It is expected to come into operation in the autumn.

Administrator's Office

Administrator: His Honour Mr Ross Denny
The Administrator’s Office
Georgetown
Ascension Island
South Atlantic Ocean
ASCN 1ZZ
Tel: 00 247 7000
Fax: 00 247 6152
Email: ross.denny@ascension.gov.ac