The Presidency of Seychelles is elected by universal adult suffrage, empowered under the 1993 constitution to rule by decree, and serves a five year term.The legislative branch is enacted through a National Assembly, which has a total of 34 seats, elected by universal adult suffrage using a combination of the first-past-the-post system (25 seats) and proportional representation of nine seats. Members of the National Assembly serve a term of five years.

 

The Seychelles government is based on a system of socialist multi-party republic with the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front (SPPF) currently holding government. The last election to be held in Seychelles was in 2006, when President Michel’s SPPF won 54% of the vote, compared to the opposition Seychelles National Party’s (SNP) 46%. In common with past elections the 2006 poll passed off peacefully and to the satisfaction of electoral observers.

 

Administratively, the country is divided into 25 districts and each district has a District Administrator responsible for the well being of its constituents.

 

The judicial power of Seychelles is vested in the following:

 

a)  the Court of Appeal (the highest Court);

b)  the Supreme Court; and

c)  such other subordinate courts or tribunals established under the Constitution.

 

Civil law is based on the French Napoleonic Code adapted to Seychelles and is known as the Civil Code of Seychelles.  Criminal law is based on the British laws.