The current political order is led by the Taliban, who call the country the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Hibatullah Akhundzada stands at its head; Kandahar is regarded as the political center and Kabul as the administrative center. State order and administration rely on the Taliban's interpretation of sharia, decrees issued by the Amir, the Taliban's supreme leader, and other administrative acts. Government arrangements therefore concern control of institutions, public administration and appointments. Voting concerns whether people can choose public officeholders through a documented electoral process. These are connected parts of politics, but an appointment by the de facto authorities is not an election. The last formally documented elections took place in 2018 and 2019, so earlier electoral rules provide historical context rather than describing the current arrangement.
Politics in Afghanistan
Politics in Afghanistan covers the exercise of public power, the organization of state administration and public participation in decision-making. Since 15 August 2021, the Taliban have de facto controlled the country's territory nationwide, while the 2004 Constitution has been non-functional. State offices are currently assigned through appointments and decrees, and no documented public electoral process exists.
Tip
Treat Afghanistan's political system as a de facto authority structure rather than assuming that older constitutional or electoral procedures still operate. For any matter involving public office, administration or civic participation, identify whether it is handled through an appointment or decree or through a documented public voting process. Keep historical constitutional and electoral information separate from the current arrangement.