Politics of Guam

Politics of Guam takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic system, whereby the Governor is head of government, and of a multi-party system. Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs.

Background

The economy of Guam is greatly dependent on the U.S. military bases there. The U.S. connection also contributes to Guam's status as a Japanese tourist destination. Some assume the Guamanian population is sympathetic toward the United States, based on common tribulations during World War II, and on relations with the U.S. military since.

However, maintenance of the status quo vis-à-vis the current political relationship between the territory and the United States is not without controversy. There is a significant movement in favor of the Territory becoming a commonwealth, which would give it a political status similar to Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. Competing movements exist, which advocate political independence from the United States, statehood, or a combination with the Northern Mariana Islands as a single territory (not necessarily commonwealth). These proposals, however, are not seen as favorable by the U.S. federal government, which argues Guam does not have the financial stability or self-sufficiency to warrant such status. They cite Guam’s increasing reliance on Federal spending as evidence, and question how commonwealth status or statehood would benefit the United States as a whole.

A portion of the people on Guam favor a modified version of the current Territorial status, involving greater autonomy from the federal government (similar to the autonomy of individual States). Perceived indifference by the U.S. Congress regarding a change-of-status petition submitted by Guam has led many to feel that the territory is being deprived of the benefits of a more equitable union with the United States.. Guam is also listed on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Political parties and elections

For other political parties see List of political parties in Guam. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Guam.

 Summary of the November 7, 2006 Guam governor election results

Candidates - parties	Votes	%
Felix Camacho - Republican Party	19,560	50.25
Robert A. Underwood - Democratic Party	18,700	48.04
Write-in	668	1.72
Total	38,928	100
Source: Guam election

 Summary of the November 7, 2008 Guam Legislature election results

Parties	Votes	%	Seats
Republican Party			5
Democratic Party			10
Total			15
Source: Guam Election Commission

See also

• Political party strength in Guam

External links

• Guam Residents Organize Against US Plans for $15B Military Buildup on Pacific Island - video report by Democracy Now!