Andorran Parish System and Local Government Explained

Understanding Andorran Parishes

A parish is a territorial division established to facilitate the governance and management of a country and its inhabitants.

The Comú: Andorra's Local Government

The Comú is the governing body or council that administers and represents the interests and assets of each parish.

It is democratically elected every four years. The Comú comprises a Consul Major (the highest authority, similar to a mayor or president of the parish), a Consul Minor (who replaces the Consul Major in their absence), and a varying number of Councillors (from 8 to 12, depending on the parish). The Consul Major convenes and presides over Comú meetings. The Councillors collectively decide on the rules and operations of the Comú.

Key Functions of the Comú

• Preparing and managing the budget.
• Conducting the parish population census.
• Preparing the electoral roll.
• Convening public consultation meetings.
• Maintaining an updated register of commercial, industrial, and professional activities.
• Reviewing the boundaries of the communal territory.
• Managing the lease of communal property.
• Managing the parish's natural resources.
• Preparing the land registry (cadastre).
• Preparing and implementing urban development plans.
• Maintaining public roads.
• Levying taxes.
• Promulgating regulations, ordinances, and decrees.
• Organizing public and community services.
• Coordinating emergency services and public alerts.
• Managing and organizing cultural, sports, and social activities.
• Submitting legislative proposals for approval by the General Council (national parliament).

Electing Comú Representatives

Comú representatives are elected democratically through direct, universal, and secret suffrage. To be eligible to vote, a person must be born or resident in Andorra, be over 18 years of age, and be registered on the electoral roll of their respective parish.

Understanding the Voting Process

Voting involves selecting one of the candidate lists presented for the election. A 'candidacy' or 'candidate list' refers to the group of individuals who stand together for election.

Election Schedule and Mandate

Comú elections are typically called in the first half of December. The mandate for elected representatives is four years. Candidate lists are closed, meaning no changes can be made to them once submitted.

The Election Campaign Process

• Publication of the electoral roll for the parish.
• Presentation of candidate lists.
• Official publication of candidacies.
• Electoral campaign period.
• Election Day.
• Proclamation of final results by the government.
• Oath of office (typically around December 28).