A former French colony, Mali became independent on September 22, 1960. The current institutions were defi ned in a constitution that was adopted on February 14, 1992, which established the country's third republic.

The President of the Republic of Mali is the head of state, and he appoints the Prime Minister, who in turn appoints the members of the government. The President, who can also dissolve the National Assembly, is elected for fi ve years (which can be renewed once). The current President of Mali is Amadou Toumani Touré, who appointed Ousmane Issoufi Maïga as Prime Minister.

The National Assembly, which is the only chamber of the parliament, adopts the laws which are then promulgated by the President. The 147 representatives are elected with a fi ve-year mandate. The last election took place in 2002, and the current president of the National Assembly is Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

The High Council of Communities is defi ned in the constitution as supplying advice on local and regional development issues. Advisers are elected for five years in an indirect vote, which is designed to ensure that each region is represented. The current president of the High Council of Communities is Oumar Ag Ibrahim.

Other institutions include the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court.