The governor-general was the representative of the monarch in Mauritius and exercised most of the powers of the monarch. The governor-general was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch. After the passage of the Statute of Westminster 1931, the governor-general was appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Mauritius without the involvement of the British government. In the event of a vacancy the chief justice served as Officer Administering the Government.
Republic (1992–present)
Under the 1992 constitution, the constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, the president replaced the monarch as ceremonial head of state. The president was elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term. In the event of a vacancy the vice president served as acting president.