Andorra - Government

The governmental system of Andorra is unique. The constitution adopted in 1993 retained the French and Spanish co-princes but reduced their powers. The co-princes are the president of France and the bishop of Urgel, Spain. The co-princes are represented in Andorra by permanent delegates and veguers. Both the delegates and veguers reside in Andorra and acquire Andorran nationality ex officio, but they are not typically native Andorrans.

Legislation is enacted by the General Council, consisting of 28 members (14 members chosen from the national constituency and 14 representing the 7 parishes), elected for a four-year term since December 1981.

As of 2003, the president of the General Council was Marc Forné Molné. The General Council designates as its head a first syndic (syndic procureur général) and a second syndic for the conduct of administration; upon election to their four-year terms, these syndics cease to be members of the council.

The right to vote, which at one time was limited to third-generation Andorran males of 25 years of age or over, by 1981 had been extended to include all native Andorrans of Andorran parentage (at age 21) and first-generation Andorrans of foreign parentage (at age 28). In October 1985, the voting age was lowered to 18 years. In October 1992, the suffrage was broadened to include spouses of Andorran citizens and long-term residents.