The 25-member unicameral legislature is elected every 4 years. Suffrage is universal for adults over age 20, and balloting is secret. A two-party coalition has formed the Government since 1938. The Government regularly puts initiatives and referendums to popular vote. Since women gained the right to vote in 1984, a growing number are active in politics.
Women serve on the executive committees in the major parties.
The sole local human rights organization, Justitia Et Pax, is an informal group of about 10 persons who monitor prison conditions and assist foreign workers with immigration matters. No requests were received from any source for investigation of human rights violations. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, language, or social status, and the authorities respect these provisions. The law prohibits all forms of domestic violence, and the Government vigorously prosecutes those who violate the law. The local shelter provided refuge for 27 abused women in 1996, only 3 of whom were Liechtenstein citizens.