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Congo, Democratic Republic of the - Government and Political Conditions (Notes)

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS Multi-party elections in the D.R.C. have not been held since 1960. A transitional constitution was adopted on April 4, 2003. Extensive executive, legislative, and military powers are vested in the president and vice presidents. The legislature does not have the power to overturn the government through a vote of no confidence. The judiciary is independent; the president has the power to dismiss and appoint judges. The president is head of a 35-member cabinet of ministers. President Joseph Kabila has made significant progress in liberalizing domestic political activity, establishing a transitional government, and undertaking economic reforms in cooperation with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, serious human rights problems remain in the security services and justice system. The eastern part of the country is characterized by ongoing violence and armed conflict, which has created a humanitarian disaster and contributed to civilian deaths (more than 3 million, according to a prominent international NGO). Principal Government Officials President--Joseph Kabila Vice President--Jean-Pierre Bemba Vice President--Arthur Z’ahidi Ngoma Vice President--Azarias Ruberwa Vice President--Abdoulaye Yerodia Ndombasi Key Ministers Foreign Affairs--Antoine Ghonda Mangalibi Defense--Jean Pierre Ondekane Interior--Theophile Mbemba Finance--Pierre Andre Futa Justice--Honorius Ksimba Ngoy Information and Press--Vital Kamerhe