Politics of the Republic of the Congo

Politics of the Republic of the Congo takes place in a framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of the parliament. Before the 1997 civil war, the Republic of the Congo's system of government was similar to that of the French. However, after taking power, Denis Sassou-Nguesso suspended the constitution approved in 2000. The new constitution (adopted by popular vote in 2002), returns to the earlier model with a seven-year presidential term and a bicameral national parliament.

Executive branch

President
Denis Sassou-Nguesso
PCT
25 October 1997
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Prime Minister, Coordinator of the Action of the Cabinet and of Privatisations
Isidore Mvouba
PCT
7 January 2005
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Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation
Rodolphe Adada|
November 1997

Legislative branch

The Parliament ("Parlement") has two chambers. The National Assembly ("Assemblée Nationale") has 153 members, for a five year term in single-seat constituencies. The Senate ("Sénat") has 66 members, elected for a six year term by district, local and regional councils. The Republic of Congo is a one party dominant state with the Congolese Labour Party in power. Opposition parties are allowed, but are widely considered to have no real chance of gaining power.

Political parties and elections

International organization participation

ACCT,
ACP,
AfDB,
BDEAC,
CCC,
CEEAC,
ECA,
FAO,
FZ,
G-77,
IBRD,
ICAO,
ICFTU,
ICRM,
IDA,
IFAD,
IFC,
IFRCS,
ILO,
IMF,
IMO,
Intelsat,
Interpol,
IOC,
IOM (observer),
ITU,
NAM,
OAU,
OPCW,
UDEAC,
UN (Security Council member for 2006/2007),
UNCTAD,
UNESCO,
UNIDO,
UPU,
WFTU,
WHO,
WIPO,
WMO,
WToO,
WTrO