Governance Model of Afghanistan (as of 2025)

Afghanistan is currently governed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which is under the control of the Taliban since they retook power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. The current system is a theocratic authoritarian regime that does not follow a constitutionally elected government.

Instead of a democratic or republican model with elected positions like a President or Vice President, the Taliban government operates based on Islamic law (Sharia) as interpreted by its leadership. The ultimate authority lies with the Supreme Leader, or Amir al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful), who holds absolute power over all political, military, and religious affairs.

Who Holds Power?

Supreme Leader: Hibatullah Akhundzada (as of 2025)
He makes all final decisions and leads through religious legitimacy.

• Prime Minister (acting head of government): Oversees the day-to-day administration but is subordinate to the Supreme Leader.
• Cabinet: Appointed officials, mostly Taliban members, manage ministries without being publicly elected.

Why Afghanistan Does Not Have Vice Presidents

Afghanistan does not have vice presidents today because the Taliban abolished the previous democratic institutions that supported those roles.

Before 2021:

Under the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (2004–2021), the country had:

• An elected President
• Two Vice Presidents (first and second)
• These roles were part of a U.S.-backed constitutional framework.

After 2021:

The Taliban dismantled this system, including:

• The Presidency
• The Parliament
• The Independent Judiciary
• The Vice Presidencies

The current regime views Western-style democratic roles like Vice President as un-Islamic or unnecessary under their interpretation of Islamic governance. They replaced them with Shura Councils (consultative councils) and religious leaders.