l 1994; following successful rebellion the new government
announced on 29 May 1997 a two-year time table of constitutional
reform

Legal system: based on Belgian civil law system and tribal law; has
not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:
chief of state: Laurent Desire KABILA (since 17 May 1997); note-the
president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: Laurent Desire KABILA (since 17 May 1997);
note-the president is both chief of state and head of government
cabinet: National Executive Council; KABILA's cabinet was appointed by
him and has no prime minister
elections: before Laurent Desire KABILA seized power, the president
was elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held
29 July 1984 (next was to be held in May 1997); formerly, the prime
minister was elected by the High Council of the Republic; note-the
term of the former government expired in 1991, elections were not
held, and former president MOBUTU continued in office until his
government was militarily defeated by KABILA on 17 May 1997
election results: MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga reelected
president in 1984 without opposition
note: Marshal MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga was president
from 24 November 1965 until forced into exile on 16 May 1997 when his
government was overturned militarily by Laurent Desire KABILA, who
immediately assumed governing authority; in his 29 May 1997 inaugural
address, President KABILA announced a two-year time table for
political reform leading to elections by April 1999

Legislative branch: legislative activity has been suspended pending
the establishment of KABILA's promised constitutional reforms and the
elections to be held by April 1999
elections: the country's first multi-party presidential and
legislative elections had been scheduled for May 1997 but were not
held; instead KABILA overthrew the MOBUTO government and seized
control of the country

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Political parties and leaders: sole legal party until January
1991-Popular Movement of the Revolution or MPR; other parties include
Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Etienne TSHISEKEDI wa
Mulumba]; Democratic Social Christian Party or PDSC [Andre BO-BOLIKO];
Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans or UFERI [Gabriel
KYUNGU wa Kumwunzu]; Unified Lumumbast Party or PA