Ethiopia operates under a federal parliamentary republic, which means that the President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The federal government shares power with regional states, with the constitution granting regions the right to secede if they wish. The country is divided into nine ethnically based regional states and two chartered cities.

The executive branch comprises the President and the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister. The President, a largely ceremonial role, is elected by the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR) for a six-year term. The Prime Minister is chosen by the party in power following legislative elections and, along with the Council of Ministers, holds the authority for the execution of the laws and policies of the country.

The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Parliament, with the HoPR and the House of Federation (HoF). The HoPR consists of 547 members who are elected to five-year terms, with its role being to create and pass laws, including the country’s budget. The HoF has 153 members, who are chosen by the regional councils, which may elect them themselves or through popular elections, for five-year terms. The HoF interprets the constitution and manages issues of self-determination, including the right to secede. The judicial branch is separate and consists of federal and regional courts. It is independent of the executive and the legislature.