In 1638 France occupies the island that is now Réunion and establish the colony of Bourbon islands. The island is renamed Réunion in 1793 and Bonaparte Island in 1806. Between 1810 and 1815 the island is under British rule. Renamed Bourbon Island French rule is restored in 1815. From 1848 the island is known as Réunion. In 1946 Réunion becomes a French overseas département and is ruled as part of mainland France. For that reason it is not included in the Electionworld database.