Legal System of Seychelles

Seychelles is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in archipelago in the indian ocean, northeast of madagascar. The country achieved independence on 29 june 1976 (from the uk). The capital is Victoria.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Patrick HERMINIE (since 26 October 2025) Head of Government: President Patrick HERMINIE (since 26 October 2025) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 27 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Royale, Au Cap, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand Anse Mahe, Grand Anse Praslin, Ile Persévérance I, Ile Persévérance II, La Digue, La Rivière Anglaise, Les Mamelles, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Port Glaud, Roche Caiman, Saint Louis, Takamaka National Holiday: Constitution Day, 18 June (1993); Independence Day (National Day), 29 June (1976) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Seychelles is described as mixed system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1970, 1979; latest drafted May 1993, approved by referendum 18 June 1993, effective 23 June 1993 Amendment Process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Seychelles Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court of Seychelles (consists of the chief justice and 9 puisne judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 Supreme Court judges) Judge Selection: all judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, a 3-member body, with 1 member appointed by the president of the republic, 1 by the opposition leader in the National Assembly, and 1 by the other 2 appointees; judges serve until retirement at age 70 Subordinate Courts: Magistrates’ Courts of Seychelles; Family Tribunal for issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and maintenance; Employment Tribunal for labor-related disputes

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Seychelles Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Seychelles was uninhabited before Europeans discovered the islands early in the 16th century. After a lengthy struggle, France eventually ceded control of the islands to Great Britain in 1814. During colonial rule, a plantation-based economy developed that relied on imported labor, primarily from European colonies in Africa. Seychelles gained independence in 1976 through negotiations with Great Britain.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Seychelles based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.