In general, the Government does not censor or otherwise interfere with the operation of the press. In 1990, however, the Government withdrew its own advertisements and official notices from the country's leading newspaper to protest the paper's critical treatment of government officials. The Government supervises the content of the station's programming, a fact that is often noted by opposition political parties. While the opposition and human rights monitors also complain that they are denied equal access to radio airtime, St. Vincent's television station is privately owned, and its policies regarding coverage of opposition views and political matters in general are considered to be even-handed. These freedoms are provided for in the Constitution and respected in practice.
All religions are free to practice and proselytize.
These rights are provided for by law and honored in practice. St. Vincent's parliamentary system is based on the Westminister model. However, the incumbent Governor General, supported by the Government, refused to appoint the two opposition members to the Senate as called for by the Constitution. He contended that because there is currently no parliamentary opposition and therefore no leader of the opposition, consultations concerning these appointments could not take place. Elections must be held at least every 5 years, by secret ballot, with universal suffrage.