Mauritian politics is characterized by a multi-party system, with several political parties representing diverse interests. The main parties include the Labour Party, Militant Socialist Movement, and Mauritian Socialist Party. The political landscape is influenced by ethnic and cultural diversity, with major communities including Hindus, Creoles, and Chinese. The country operates under a parliamentary democracy, where the Prime Minister is the head of government and the President serves as the head of state. Elections are held every five years, and the National Assembly plays a crucial role in legislation and governance. Political stability has generally been maintained since independence in 1968.