With a small but stable government, Tuvalu is self-governed under the Westminster system with a 15 member elected unicameral parliament. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State, through her appointed representative, the Governor General. The Prime Minister is elected by a majority of the 15 elected Members of Parliament and governs with the assistance of a cabinet.

Each island also has a local high-chief, sub-chiefs and elders who exercise informal authority on their island.

All adult Cook Islanders are entitled to vote in elections.