The Government and Political System in Congo

The Congo, formally the Republic of the Congo, or Republique du Congo in its local language, is a country in western Africa. It is formerly called French Congo and Middle Congo during its colonial times. It has 10 administrative regions/provinces namely: Bouenza, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, and Sangha. Its capital and largest city is Brazzaville located at the Congo River.

The Congo practices a republic type of government and has 3 branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branch of the government. The executive branch is composed of the President and his Cabinet. The President is both the Chief of State and the Head of the Government since the abolishment of the position of the Prime Minister in September 2009. He is elected by popular vote to serve for 7 years. An elected president is eligible for a second term. After assuming position, he then appoints his Council of Ministers which head the country’s different ministries.

The legislative branch of the government is a bicameral parliament composed of the Senate and the National Assembly. The Senate is composed of 72 seats who are elected by indirect vote. They are to serve for 5 years. The National Assembly has 137 seats who are elected by popular vote. They are to serve for 5 years as well.

  The judicial branch of the government is headed by the Supreme Court or Cour Supreme. Lower courts include the Court of Appeals, the Court of Accounts and Budgetary Discipline, and the Constitutional Court.