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South Africa is a federal state. Until 1994 it was governed by the white minority with minimal mixed-race and Asian representation and virtually no black representation. In Apr., 1994, the country became a fully multiracial democracy, under an interim constitution; a permanent constitution was adopted in 1996. It provides for a strong central government headed by a president, who is elected for a five-year term and serves as both the chief of state and head of government. The bicameral parliament consists of a 400-member National Assembly, which is elected by proportional representation, and a 90-seat National Council of Provinces (formerly the Senate), which is elected by the nine provincial legislatures. Legislators serve five-year terms. The constitution contains an extensive bill of rights and provides for an independent judiciary; the 11-judge Constitutional Court is the highest court of appeal. Provinces are given exclusive powers in only a few areas, such as roads and recreation. The leading political parties are the African National Congress, the predominantly white Democratic party and New National party, and the Zulu-based Inkhata Freedom party.
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