List of African Union Member States By Political System - Legislatures

Legislatures

A further distinction is the number of chambers in the national legislature; either with one or two houses. There is no clear trend towards either model as of 2006, and there's also no real common factor which determines whether a country's legislature is unicameral or bicameral, except for the fact that federations and countries with strong regional differences or regional identities are normally bicameral to reflect the regions' interests in national bills.

The function and form of the houses vary widely; some are directly elected, others indirectly or appointed, some have legal provisions for minority representation, based either or ethnicity, religious affiliation, or gender. In Cameroon and Malawi, there are legally two houses, but only one is functional. Due to the no-party politics of Libya, there is no legislature per se, but a complex mixtures of local councils loyal to Muammar al-Gaddafi.

There are presently 34 unicameral legislatures and 19 bicameral legislatures in among AU member states.

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    Look not to legislatures and churches for your guidance, nor to any soulless incorporated bodies, but to inspirited or inspired ones.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)