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KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1976 Population: 87,000 (2011) GNI p.c.: US$11,130 (2011) UN HDI 2011: world ranking 52 Geography Area: 455 sq km Coastline: 491 km Capital: Victoria The Republic of Seychelles lies in the western part of the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar and 1,593 km east of Mombasa, Kenya. It is an isolated archipelago of outstanding natural beauty comprising about 115 islands, the largest and most economically important of which is Mahé. Constitution Status: Republic with executive President Legislature: National Assembly of Seychelles Independence: 29 June 1976 The independence constitution provided for a multiparty state. The 1979 constitution made Seychelles a one-party state, the sole candidate for a presidential election to be nominated by the ruling party. This constitution was amended in 1992, when multiparty democracy was reintroduced and, after a process of consultation involving referendums, replaced by the 1993 constitution. Under the 1993 constitution, Seychelles is a unitary republic, with a multiparty democracy. It has a unicameral parliament, the National Assembly, comprising up to 35 seats, 25 of which are elected by universal adult suffrage, on a first-past-the-post basis, and up to ten seats on the basis of proportional representation. Parliamentary and presidential elections take place every five years, not necessarily at the same time. The President appoints a cabinet – not including members of parliament – and is empowered under the 1993 constitution to rule by decree. In August 1996, the constitution was amended to create the office of Vice-President. Judicial system Supreme court: Supreme Court of Seychelles Ministry: Defence, Legal Affairs, Youth and Hydrocarbons The constitution provides for an independent judiciary. The justice system derives from English common law and the French Napoleonic Code. The magistrates’ courts are the courts of first instance for cases under civil and criminal codes. The most serious civil and criminal cases, and appeals from the magistrates’ courts, come before the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Court is a division of the Supreme Court and deals with human rights as well as constitutional matters. Appeals from the Supreme Court are heard by the Court of Appeal. Other courts include the Family Tribunal, Rent Control Board and employment tribunals. Judges are generally recruited from other Commonwealth countries and employed on contracts. The chief justice and other judges are appointed by the President of the republic, the other judges in consultation with the chief justice. Reform of the judiciary has been under discussion for a number of years. Government and politics Last elections: May 2011 (presidential), September/October 2011 (legislative) Next elections: 2016 (presidential and legislative) Head of State: President James Alix Michel Head of Government: the President Ruling party: People’s Party Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2013/14 257 Seychelles


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