Politics & Government Guide in Zambia

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Zambia operates as a presidential republic with President Hakainde Hichilema holding executive power since 2021. The country features multiparty elections and gradual improvements in civil liberties, though challenges persist with legislative oversight and judicial independence. Political power remains centralized in the executive amid an unstable party system.

Democracy Index

Moderate

Government Type

Presidential representative democratic republic

Legal System

Mixed legal system of English common law and customary law

Head of State

President Hakainde Hichilema(since 2021)

Head of Government

President Hakainde Hichilema(United Party for National Development)since 2021

Political Indicators

Press Freedom

63.45Rank #94

Scale: 0-100

Problematic

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index

6.12Rank #78

Scale: 0-10

Flawed Democracy

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:National Assembly (156 seats)

Major Political Parties

United Party for National Development(UPND)

Center-left

82 seats

Patriotic Front(PF)

Populist

37 seats

Voting Rights

Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and above in national and local elections

Recent Developments

President Hichilema assumed SADC Organ chairmanship in August 2024
Government pledged amendments to Public Order Act in January 2024 to enhance assembly rights
Removal of death penalty and defamation laws as part of democratic reforms

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution2016

Provinces and districts10