Politics of the Central African Republic

Politics of the Central African Republic takes place in a framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President is both head of state and head of government (with an executive Prime Minister). Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The official government was deposed in March 15, 2003 by forces under the rebel leader François Bozizé, who promised elections in 18 to 30 months. A new cabinet was set up in April 1, 2003. Elections were held on March 13, 2005.

Executive branch

President
François Bozizé|
15 March 2003
-
Prime Minister
Faustin-Archange Touadéra|
22 January 2008The president is elected by popular vote for a six-year term, the prime minister is appointed by the president.

The president also appoints and presides over the Council of Ministers, which initiates laws and oversees government operations.

Legislative branch

The National Assembly ("Assemblée Nationale") has 105 members, elected for a five-year term using the two-round (or Run-off) system.

Political parties and elections

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme, judges appointed by the president; Constitutional Court, judges appointed by the president

Administrative divisions

The Central African Republic is divided in 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga.

International organization participation

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC (observer), OPCW, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO