<item><hi format=bold>Independence:</hi> 24 October 1964 (from UK)
<item><hi format=bold>National holiday:</hi> Independence Day, 24 October (1964)
<item><hi format=bold>Constitution:</hi> 2 August 1991
<item><hi format=bold>Legal system:</hi> based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
<item><hi format=bold>Suffrage:</hi> 18 years of age; universal
<item><hi format=bold>Executive branch:</hi>
<list style=hang>
<item>• <hi format=ital>chief of state and head of government:</hi> President Frederick CHILUBA (since 31 October 1991); Vice President Levy MWANAWASA (since 31 October 1991); election last held 31 October 1991 (next to be held in 1996); results—Frederick CHILUBA 84%, Kenneth KAUNDA 16%
<item>• <hi format=ital>cabinet:</hi> Cabinet; appointed by the president from members of the National Assembly
<item><hi format=bold>National Assembly:</hi> elections last held 31 October 1991 (next to be held in 1996); results —percent of vote by party NA; seats—(150 total) MMD 125, UNIP 25; note—the MMD's majority was weakened by the defection of 13 of its parliamentary members during 1993 and the defeat of its candidates in 4 of the resulting by-elections
<item><hi format=bold>Political parties and leaders:</hi> Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Frederick CHILUBA; United National Independence Party (UNIP), Kebby MUSOKATWANE; National Party (NP), Inonge MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA;
<item><hi format=bold>Flag:</hi> green with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer edge of the flag