ABSTRACT
The Constitution of March 1991 provides for a multi-party system and vests executive power in the President, who is directly elected by universal suffrage for a period of seven years. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is head of government and who (in consultation with the President) appoints the Council of Ministers. Legislative power is vested in the Assemblée Nationale (National Assembly), comprising 143 members, who are elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of five years, and the 67-member Sénat (Senate), 52 members of which are elected by municipal councils and departmental assemblies for a term of six years, and 15 of which are appointed by the President. The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by the Constitution.
