Local politics takes place in a parliamentary representative democratic setting whereby the President of the General Council is the head of government, of a multi-party system.
Mayotte became an overseas department of France (département d'outre-mer, DOM) on 31 March 2011 following the result of the March 2009 Mahoran status referendum, which was overwhelmingly approved by around 95% of voters.
The head of state is the President of France as represented by prefect Thierry Suquet.
The head of government is President of the General Council Soibahadine Ibrahim Ramadani.
The General Council (Conseil Général) has 19 members, elected for a three-year term in single seat constituencies.