was followed in 1979 by the institutionalisation of the one-party state system, based on socialist ideology. A new constitution was adopted in 1979 which provided for a strong executive headed by the president and a legislature of twenty-three elected and two appointed members. The Government proceeded with its program to set minimum wage levels, raise government salaries, improve housing and health facilities, broaden educational opportunities, provide social security coverage, and generate employment in agriculture and fisheries. The socio-economic indicators improved markedly. In 1991, a resolution was adopted by the SPPF Congress, to liberalise the political system and the Government invited all political stake holders to assist in rewriting the Constitution and to re-establish multiparty politics. A Constitutional Conference was conveyed, the composition of which was based on support obtained by popular vote. The newly established political parties (7), participated in the process. Members of the public were also invited to provide their input. The first draft of the Constitution failed to receive the required 60% majority in a referendum. The new and current Constitution was approved by 73.9 percent of the voters in a referendum held on June 18, 1993. A specific Charter on Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms was incorporated into the Constitution. The provisions of the Constitution emphasised the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judiciary.. The Presidency was limited to three terms of five years each. The constitution provided for a leader of the opposition to be elected by opposition members in the National Assembly. The first National Assembly consisted of thirtythree members, twenty-two of them elected, and eleven designated by proportional representation. After the adoption of the Constitution, combined Presidential and National Assembly elections were held in July 1993 and March 1998. Early Presidential elections were held in September 2001 and National Assembly elections in December 2002. In all cases the SPPF won the Presidential elections and the majority of seats in the National Assembly. In the National Assembly elections of 1998 and 2002, the Seychelles National Party, has been the official opposition.