45,047,100 people
Source: Tyranny Tracker
HRF classifies Afghanistan as ruled by a fully authoritarian regime.
Afghanistan has experienced various types of government since its independence in 1919, including a presidential system (2004-2021), following the end of a theocratic takeover by the Islamic fundamentalist militia group, Taliban (1996-2001). A constitution was enacted in 2004 with separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judiciary. The last democratic elections took place in 2019, albeit with electoral discrepancies and alleged electoral fraud, with Ashraf Ghani declared as the victor. However, in August 2021, two decades of democratic political transition were undone when the Taliban toppled the democratically elected government of President Ashraf Ghani to form an Islamic Emirate. The Taliban de facto regime abolished the 2004 Constitution, dismantling the legislative, executive, and judicial systems. The Taliban rule is marked by repressive policies, particularly targeted against women, independent media, human rights advocates, and anti-Taliban protesters. All policy is issued by the Taliban regime, with extensive control over all key institutions, including the court systems. Protesters and dissenters of the regime are met with severe crackdowns and human rights violations. Future elections remain highly unlikely under the Taliban regime, with democratic elections viewed to be in contradiction with Islamic laws.
National elections under the Taliban regime are absent, rendering moot assessment of electoral competition. In August 2021, the Taliban overthrew the democratic government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (2004-2021) and established the Islamic Emirate. The Taliban eliminated all political opposition within the country, with former administration leaders living in exile. The de facto regime banned all political parties and political activities of organizations across Afghanistan. Independent electoral oversight bodies have been dismantled, with no elections in the nation, with the exception of local neighbourhood elections overseen and tightly regulated by the Taliban.
Independent media, political leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the general public face overt and systematic retaliation if they openly criticize or challenge the Taliban regime. The Taliban shut down hundreds of independent media across Afghanistan and issued severe restrictions on broadcasting and publishing content. The Taliban regime issued decrees and legislation that severely restricted the freedom of speech and expression for independent journalists, and targeted them through raids, detentions, and arrests. The Taliban also targeted anti-Taliban protesters and human rights advocates across the country to curtail dissent against the regime.
Institutions in Afghanistan largely fail to serve as independent checks on the regime. The Taliban regime abolished the legislative and executive branches of the Islamic Republic and concentrated all power among a few handpicked Taliban members, led by the supreme leader (emir). The judicial system has been dismantled and replaced by Taliban-appointed individuals, following the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law. The supreme leader sits at the apex of political and legislative authority, and his power remains unconstrained. All policies, interpretations of the law, and judgments are issued through decrees of the supreme leader, or his approved Taliban legislative bodies or ministries, or appointed judges, respectively.
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