Andorra's political system operates at national and parish level. The Bishop of Urgell and the President of France jointly hold the head-of-state role. The General Council, called the Consell General, passes laws and represents the elected national legislature. The government carries out state administration and implements public policy. The seven parishes also have communal councils that manage local matters within their responsibilities. Elections connect citizens with both levels of public authority. General elections choose the members of the General Council through 28 seats: 14 are assigned through the parishes and 14 through a nationwide list. Communal elections choose the councils of the seven parishes. Voting normally takes place in person on Sunday between 09:00 and 19:00. Voting by judicial deposit, known as vot per dipòsit judicial, and voting by delegation are available under certain conditions. Understanding Andorran politics therefore requires looking at both national lawmaking and government administration, as well as parish representation and local decision-making.
Politics in Andorra
Politics in Andorra combines national institutions, joint heads of state and elected parish authorities. Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality governed under the 1993 Constitution: the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France jointly serve as heads of state, while the General Council makes laws and the government manages public administration. Elections determine representation in the General Council and the seven parish councils.
Tip
Use the level of authority as your starting point: national laws and state administration belong to the national institutions, while local matters belong to the relevant parish council. When assessing representation or preparing to vote, distinguish General Council elections from communal elections and do not assume that alternative voting methods are available without checking their conditions.