Togo was governed as a single-party republic from 1969 until 1991; that year, the president allowed opposition parties to form, and in 1992 a new constitution officially accomplished the nation as a multiparty democracy. Togo’s transition to democracy is stalled. Its democratic institutions remain nascent and fragile. President Eyadema, who has governed Togo under a one-party system for nearly 25 of his 37 years in power, remains the dominant political figure and controls the security forces. The Togolese judiciary is modeled on the French system. For administrative purposes, Togo is separated into 30 prefectures, each having an appointed prefect. The 1992 constitution vests administrator power in a president who is popularly elected to a five-year term. Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral (single-chamber) National Assembly; its 81 members serve five-year terms. The prime minister is appointed by the president from among the majority in the legislature.