El marc polític de Puerto Rico

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Joe Biden (since January 20th, 2021)
Governor: Pedro Pierluisi (since January 2nd, 2021)

Next Election Dates

Governor: November 2024
Senate: November 2024
House of Representatives: November 2024

Puerto Rico does not have voting rights in the US federal legislature nor in electing its federal head of state.

Main Political Parties

Puerto Rico has five registered parties, although only two have significant political strength - the PPD and the PNP. The five parties in the island are:

- Popular Democratic Party (PPD): centrist, pro-commonwealth, pro-autonomous entity, liberal
- New Progressive Party (PNP): pro-statehood
- Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP): centre-left, pro-independence, social democratic
- Dignity Project Party (PPD): founded in 2020, it is the newest party in Puerto Rico. Right-wing, Christian democracy, anti-corruption

Executive Power

In Puerto Rico, the executive branch is headed by the Governor, who appoints the members of the judiciary with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Governor is the Head of Government of Puerto Rico and the commander-in-chief of the island's military forces. The Governor and legislators are elected by popular vote every four years. The Head of State of Puerto Rico is the President of the United States. However, Puerto Ricans do not vote in the U.S. presidential election.

Legislative Power

The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Legislative Assembly comprised of the Senate (27 members directly elected to serve 4-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 members directly elected to serve 4-year terms). They are responsible for enacting, amending, and repealing the laws of Puerto Rico and are subjected to the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United States.