The Right of Citizens to Change Their Government Citizens have this right in law and exercise it in practice. Political parties freely compete in fair elections by secret ballot at least every 5 years. The New Democratic Party won one seat, its first ever in Parliament. There are no impediments to participation in the political process, and all citizens over age 18 may vote. The Prime Minister exercises executive power along with the Cabinet of Ministers he appoints, balanced by the bicameral Parliament and the judicial system.
Women are well represented at all levels of government and politics.
After the September 1994 elections, Prime Minister Arthur appointed women to several cabinet-level portfolios. Section 4 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights Local groups involved with human rights operate freely and without Government hindrance. The Caribbean Human Rights Network, a Caribbean-wide human rights organization which has its headquarters and a small staff in Barbados, investigates and reports on allegations of human rights violations throughout the region. The Constitution provides for equal treatment under the law, regardless of race, religion, or sex. The Government respects these rights in practice.