Monaco's political system combines hereditary rule with elected representation and judicial institutions. The Prince Souverain holds the highest executive authority. The Government and Ministre d'État are appointed rather than elected. The Conseil National is the 24-member elected national assembly; it makes laws jointly with the Prince and serves a five-year term. The 15-member Conseil Communal manages communal matters for the single Commune de Monaco and serves a four-year term. Monaco has no regional or intermediate administrative level. Courts exercise judicial functions, while public administration, the budget, oversight bodies and the Force Publique operate within the country's highly centralised city-state structure. Monégasque citizens aged 18 or older may vote directly and secretly when they are entered on the permanent electoral list and are not legally excluded. National elections use one-round list voting with both majoritarian and proportional seat allocation. Communal elections may use up to two rounds. Voting normally takes place at a polling station, while procuration is available under current rules when a voter is prevented from attending or is detained and can provide the required proof.
Politics in Monaco
Monaco is a sovereign city-state with a hereditary constitutional monarchy, a government limited by constitutional rules and fundamental rights. The Prince Souverain holds the highest executive authority, while the Conseil National makes laws jointly with the Prince and the courts exercise judicial functions. Monégasque citizens elect the Conseil National and the Conseil Communal under separate voting rules.
Tip
Use Monaco's political structure to identify the correct institution for your concern and the correct election procedure for your vote. Separate national matters from communal matters, verify voting eligibility early, and do not assume that appointed government officials or national and communal elections follow the same rules.