Réunion is a French overseas department and region with a population of about 800,000 located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, approximately 200 km southwest of Mauritius, the nearest island.
The chief of state is the French President, who is represented by a Prefect.
The president of the General Council acts as head of the government.
Elections held in Réunion include the French presidential vote.
A prefect is appointed by the president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior.