Who runs local government in Seychelles?
Seychelles currently has no elected local government. Its 26 districts are run by district administration offices headed by district administrators, civil servants who answer to the ministry responsible for local government. A 2015 Local Government Act providing for elected district councils was put on hold in 2018 because of cost, and a pilot of nominated regional councils was dropped.
Republic of Seychelles · Unitary presidential republic · Eastern Africa
The levels of government below the nation
| Level | How it is chosen | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Districts (26, 22 of them on Mahé) | District administrator appointed (civil servant) under the ministry for local government | Local services, community facilities, liaison between residents and government. |
Three questions about local power in Seychelles
Are local leaders elected?
Nobody is elected at local level at present; district administrators are appointed. Members of the National Assembly elected for district constituencies are the main elected link.
Which laws set up local government?
District administrations operate under the ministry; the 2015 Local Government Act (elected district councils) is law but on hold.
Who are local leaders accountable to?
District administrators answer to the principal secretary and minister for local government; residents can raise issues through their member of the National Assembly.
Traditional and customary authority
No significant formal role. Seychelles has no traditional chiefs or customary law; the Catholic and Anglican churches and other faith groups are socially influential.
Community and neighbourhood power
District community centres, district-level committees and NGOs (for example for youth, the elderly and the environment) bring residents together. A seven-region pilot of nominated regional councils (2018), with members appointed under a cross-party agreement, ended after an evaluation found a preference for district councils.
Points to know
- Seychelles had elected district councils briefly after a 1991 law; they were replaced by appointed district administrations in 1994.
- Districts are tiny: on average about 3,500 people (SNG-WOFI).
- Eight districts together make up Greater Victoria, the capital.
Local terms
- District Administration Office
- The government office running each of the 26 districts.
Sources
- Seychelles's Constitution of 1993 with Amendments through 2025, Constitute Project, checked 14 October 2026
- Country profile: Seychelles, OECD–UCLG SNG-WOFI, checked 14 October 2026
- The local government system in Seychelles (country profile), Commonwealth Local Government Forum, checked 14 October 2026
- Regional councils officially launched, State House, Republic of Seychelles, checked 14 October 2026
See also: Seychelles's official statistics and leaders · the 10 levels of power.