The political framework of Angola

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President : Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (since 26 September 2017) - MPLA ; the president is both chief of state and head of government
Vice President: Esperanca Francisco DA COSTA (since 15 September 2022)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 2027
Legislative: August 2027

Main Political Parties

The MPLA party remains the largest parliamentary force and has had no real political challengers since independence. The largest parties include:

- Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA): social democracy, secured 124 of 220 recognized seats for an absolute majority
- National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA): centre-right, the second-largest political party, strong grassroots support and is defined by its legacy as a guerrilla movement
- Humanist Party of Angola (PHA): split from UNITA, it was legalised by the Constitutional Court on 27 May 2022
- Social Renewal Party (PRS): centre-left
- National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA): centre-right

Executive Power

In Angola, executive power is held by the president and his government. The president is elected directly by the people and appoints the vice-president. The position of prime minister was abolished in 2010. The president appoints ministers, secretaries of state, and other key officials, and the government is not answerable to the National Assembly. He also appoints four of the seven judges of the Constitutional Court (including its president), judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Auditors, and High Military Court, as well as the Attorney General, provincial governors and vice-governors, and the governor of the National Bank of Angola. The president is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Legislative Power

Angola has a unicameral legislative system, with its parliament, the National Assembly, officially comprising 223 seats. Its members are elected by universal suffrage under a system of proportional representation for a five-year term. In practice, however, the National Assembly has only 220 members. It is responsible for passing laws, approving taxes, and overseeing government activities. However, the President of the Republic holds significant legislative power, which limits the Assembly’s effectiveness in exercising oversight over the government.