Namibia

The Republic of Namibia is a country in southwestern Africa, on the Atlantic coast. It is bordered by Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south. It gained independence from South Africa in 1990, and as such it is one of the youngest nations in the world. Its capital is Windhoek.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Namibia

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The Namibian head of state is the president, who is elected by popular vote every five years. The government is headed by the prime minister, who, together with his cabinet, is appointed by the president. SWAPO, the primary force behind independence, has since moved away from its Marxist roots, and is still currently the country's largest party.

Related Topics:
Head of state - President - Prime minister - Cabinet - Marxist

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Namibia's bicameral parliament consists of the National Council with 26 seats, occupied by two members chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms; and the National Assembly of 78 seats, of which 72 members are elected by popular vote, and 6 non-voting members are appointed by the president. All 78 serve five-year terms.

Related Topics:
Bicameral - Parliament

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The Assembly is the primary legislative body, with the Council playing more of an advisory role. The 1990 constitution is noted for being one of the first to incorporate protection of the environment into its text. The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court, whose judges are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.

Related Topics:
Legislative - 1990 - Constitution - Environment - Judicial

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