The Republic of Namibia's modern constitution, adopted on independence in 1990, was hailed as one of the world's most democratic. Its entrenched Bill of Rights provides for freedom of speech, press, assembly, association and religion. It also set up a bicameral Westminster-style parliament, with a strong executive and independent judiciary.

General elections for the first House of Parliament, the National Assembly, are held every five years. The members of the second House of Parliament, the National Council, are drawn from 13 Regional Councils, which are elected every six years. The constitution limits the president to a maximum of two terms of office.