The last amendment took place in 1996, after a Commission was appointed to review the document. The Constitution approved by the National Assembly on 2 August 1991 provides for a pluralist system of government. The Constitution sets out fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual and provides protection from discrimination on grounds of race, tribe, sex, marital status, political opinions, colour or creed. The President The President is bound by the Constitution to serve up to a maximum of two five-year terms. The President is elected by popular vote at the same time as elections for the National Assembly are held.
Franchise is based on universal adult suffrage.
Election rules and regulations are drawn by an electoral Commission which is empowered to limit and review constituency boundaries. The President exercises executive powers and is responsible for appointing Cabinet Ministers, High Commissioners, Ambassadors as well as service chiefs. The President is also the appointing authority of heads of parastatal organisations and boards. The National Assembly Zambia has a unicameral legislature. Legislative powers are vested in the 158-member National Assembly.