Angola since its independence in 1975, is governed by presidents, whose office has two functions: those of head of state and head of government. The President had the power to designate the Prime Minister and to delegate powers to him normally exercised by the President.

With the approval of the 2010 Constitution, the position of Prime Minister was extinguished, and the position of Vice President was created. The president was elected in the parliamentary elections, being the leader of the party with the most votes.

The first president, Agostinho Neto, governed from independence until his death, from 1975 to 1979, when Lúcio Lara temporarily succeeded him until the election of José Eduardo dos Santos.

During the government of José Eduardo dos Santos, Angola became a multiparty democracy. The most recent elections date back to 1992, when the president was re-elected with 49% of the vote. His opponent, Jonas Savimbi of UNITA, claimed that the elections were fraudulent.

José Eduardo dos Santos was succeeded in 2017 by João Lourenço.