Nepal:chief of state: King GYANENDRA Bir Bikram Shah (succeeded tothe throne 4 June 2001 following the death of his nephew KingDIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah)
head of government: Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (since 22March 2000)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch on the recommendation ofthe prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
note: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev died in a bloody shooting at the royal palace on 1 June 2001 that also claimed the lives of most of the royal family; King BIRENDRA's son, Crown Price DIPENDRA, is believed to have been responsible for the shootings before fatally wounding himself; immediately following the shootings and while still clinging to life, DIPENDRA was crowned king; he died three days later and was succeeded by his uncle
Netherlands:chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of themonarch
head of government: Prime Minister Wim KOK (since 22 August 1994) and Vice Prime Ministers Annemarie JORRITSMA (since 3 August 1998) and Els BORST-EILERS (since 3 August 1998)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; vice prime ministers appointed by the monarch
note: government coalition - PvdA, VVD, and D'66; there is also aCouncil of State composed of the monarch, heir apparent, andcouncilors consulted by the executive on legislative andadministrative policy
Netherlands Antilles:chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of theNetherlands (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor GeneralJaime SALEH (since NA October 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Miguel POURIER (since 8 November1999); Deputy Prime Minister Susanne CAMELIA-ROMER (since NA)
note: Miguel POURIER assumed prime ministership following the resignation of Susanne CAMELIA-ROMER
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister by the Staten; election last held 30 January 1998 (next to be held by NA 2002)
note: government coalition - PDB, DP-St. M, FOL, PLKP, PNP
New Caledonia:chief of state: President of France Jacques CHIRAC(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner ThierryLATASTE (since 19 July 1999)
head of government: President of the Government Jean LEQUES (since 28 May 1999)
cabinet: Consultative Committee
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress
New Zealand:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Governor General Dame Silvia CARTWRIGHT (since4 April 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Helen CLARK (since 10 December1999) and Deputy Prime Minister Jim ANDERTON (since 10 December 1999)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general for a three-year term; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general
Nicaragua:chief of state: President Arnoldo ALEMAN Lacayo (since10 January 1997); Vice President Leopoldo NAVARRO (since 24 October2000); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernment
head of government: President Arnoldo ALEMAN Lacayo (since 10 January 1997); Vice President Leopoldo NAVARRO (since 24 October 2000); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 20 October 1996 (next to be held 4 November 2001); note - in July 1995 the term of the office of the president was amended to five years
election results: Arnoldo ALEMAN Lacayo (Liberal Alliance - ruling party - includes PLC, PALI, PLIUN, and PUCA) 51.03%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 37.75%, Guillermo OSORNO (PCCN) 4.10%, Noel VIDAURRE (PCN) 2.26%, Benjamin LANZAS (PRONAL) 0.53%, other (18 other candidates) 4.33%
Niger:chief of state: President Mamadou TANDJA (since 22 December1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernment
head of government: President Mamadou TANDJA (since 22 December 1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; Prime Minister Hama AMADOU (since 31 December 1999) was appointed by the president and shares some executive responsibilities with the president
note: President Ibrahim BARE was assassinated on 9 April 1999; subsequent elections were held under the nine-month provisional government of Major Daouda Mallam WANKE
cabinet: 23-member cabinet appointed by President TANDJA
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; last held 24 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)
election results: Mamadou TANDJA elected president; percent of vote- Mamadou TANDJA 59.9%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 40.1%
Nigeria:chief of state: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment
head of government: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Federal Executive Council
elections: president is elected by popular vote for no more than two four-year terms; election last held 27 February 1999 (next to be held NA 2003)
election results: Olusegun OBASANJO elected president; percent of vote - Olusegun OBASANJO (PDP) 62.8%, Olu FALAE (APP-AD) 37.2%
Niue:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand HighCommissioner John BRYAN (since NA May 2000)
head of government: Premier Sani LAKATANI (since 1 April 1999)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers
elections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 19 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2002)
election results: Sani LAKATANI elected premier; percent ofLegislative Assembly vote - NA%
Norfolk Island:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952); the UK and Australia are represented byAdministrator Anthony J. MESSNER (since 4 August 1997)
head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister RonaldCoane NOBBS (since 23 February 2000)
cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members of the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts as an advisor to the Administrator
elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia; chief minister elected by the Legislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years; election last held 23 February 2000 (next to be held by March 2003)
election results: Ronald Coane NOBBS elected chief minister; percent of Legislative Assembly vote - NA%
Northern Mariana Islands: chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001)
head of government: Governor Pedro P. TENORIO (since NA January 1998) and Lieutenant Governor Jesus R. SABLAN (since NA January 1998)
cabinet: NA
elections: US president and vice president elected on the same ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held in NA November 1997 (next to be held NA November 2001)
election results: Pedro P. TENORIO elected governor in a three-way race; percent of vote - Pedro P. TENORIO (Republican Party) 47%
Norway:chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); HeirApparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20July 1973)
head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 March2000)
cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of the Parliament
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the largest party or leader of a coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch with the approval of the Parliament
Oman:chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said AlSaid (since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief ofstate and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al Said (since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Pakistan:note: following a military takeover on 12 October 1999,Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffCommittee, Gen. Pervez MUSHARRAF suspended Pakistan's constitutionand assumed the additional title of Chief Executive; exercising thepowers of the head of the government, he appointed an eight-memberNational Security Council to function as Pakistan's supremegoverning body; President Mohammad Rafiq TARAR remains theceremonial chief of state; on 12 May 2000, Pakistan's Supreme Courtunanimously validated the October 1999 coup and granted MUSHARRAFexecutive and legislative authority for three years from the coupdate
chief of state: President Mohammad Rafiq TARAR (since 31 December1997)
head of government: Chief Executive Gen. Pervez MUSHARRAF (since 12October 1999)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the chief executive
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 31 December 1997 (next to be held NA 2002); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the National Assembly; election last held 3 February 1997 (next to be held NA); note - Gen. Pervez MUSHARRAF overthrew the government of Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz SHARIF in the military takeover of 12 October 1999; in May 2000, the Supreme Court validated the October 1999 coup and set a three-year limit in office for Chief Executive MUSHARRAF
election results: Rafiq TARAR elected president; percent ofParliament and provincial vote - NA%; results are for the lastelection for prime minister prior to the military takeover of 12October 1999 - Mohammad Nawaz SHARIF elected prime minister; percentof National Assembly vote - NA%
Palau:chief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU Jr. (since19 January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of government
head of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU Jr. (since 19 January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19 January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)
election results: Tommy Esang REMENGESAU Jr. elected president; percent of vote - Tommy Esang REMENGESAU Jr. 53%, Peter SUGIYAMA 46%; Sandra PIERANTOZZI elected vice president; percent of vote - Sandra PIERANTOZZI 52%, Alan SEID 45%
Panama:chief of state: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez(since 1 September 1999); First Vice President Arturo UlisesVALLARINO (since 1 September 1999); Second Vice President Dominador"Kaiser" Baldonero BAZAN Jimenez (since 1 September 1999); note -the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (since 1 September 1999); First Vice President Arturo Ulises VALLARINO (since 1 September 1999); Second Vice President Dominador "Kaiser" Baldonero BAZAN Jimenez (since 1 September 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 2 May 1999 (next to be held NA May 2004)
election results: Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez elected president; percent of vote - Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (PA) 44%, Martin TORRIJOS (PRD) 37%
note: government coalition - PA, MOLIRENA, Democratic Change,MORENA, PLN, PS
Papua New Guinea:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor General Silas ATOPARE (since13 November 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Mekere MORAUTA (since NA August1999); Deputy Prime Minister Michael OGIO (since 3 November 2000)
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the National Executive Council; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general for up to five years on the basis of majority support in National Parliament
Paraguay:chief of state: President Luis GONZALEZ MACCHI (since 28March 1999); vice president Julio Cesar FRANCO (since NA August2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment
head of government: President Luis GONZALEZ MACCHI (since 28 March 1999); vice president Julio Cesar FRANCO (since NA August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 10 May 1998 (next to be held NA May 2003)
election results: Raul CUBAS Grau elected president; percent of vote - 55.3%; resigned 28 March 1999
note: President Luis GONZALEZ MACCHI, formerly president of the Chamber of Senators, constitutionally succeeded President Raul CUBAS Grau, who resigned after being impeached soon after the assassination of Vice President Luis Maria ARGANA; the successor to ARGANA was decided in an election held in August 2000
Peru:chief of state: President Alejandro TOLEDO (since 28 July2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by theConstitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Conseco (since 28 July2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July 2001)
head of government: President Alejandro TOLEDO (since 28 July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by the Constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Conseco (since 28 July 2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July 2001)
note: Prime Minister Roberto DANINO (since 28 July 2001) does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; special presidential election held 8 April 2001 with runoff election 3 June 2001); next to be held NA 2006
election results: President TOLEDO elected in runoff election; percent of vote - Alejandro TOLEDO 53.1%, Alan GARCIA 46.9%
Philippines:chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO(since 20 January 2001); note - the president is both the chief ofstate and head of government
head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments
elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for six-year terms; election last held 11 May 1998 (next to be held 16 May 2004)
election results: results of the last presidential election - Joseph Ejercito ESTRADA elected president; percent of vote - approximately 40%; Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected vice president; percent of vote - NA%; note - on 20 January 2001, Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was sworn in as the constitutional successor to President Joseph ESTRADA after the Supreme Court declared that President ESTRADA was unable to rule in view of the mass resignations from his government; according to the Constitution, only in cases of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the president, can the vice president serve for the unexpired term
Pitcairn Islands:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealandand Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Martin WILLIAMS(since NA May 1998); Commissioner (nonresident) Leon SALT (since NA;is the liaison person between the governor and the Island Council)
head of government: Island Magistrate and Chairman of the IslandCouncil Jay WARREN (since NA)
cabinet: NA
elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner and commissioner appointed by the monarch; island magistrate elected every three years in December by popular vote for a three-year term; last election held NA December 1999 (next to be held NA December 2002)
election results: Lea BROWN elected island magistrate; percent of vote - NA%
Poland:chief of state: President Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI (since 23December 1995)
head of government: Prime Minister Jerzy BUZEK - SolidarityElectoral Union - (since 31 October 1997), Deputy Prime MinistersJanusz STEINHOFF (since 12 June 2000), Longin KOMOLOWSKI (since 19October 1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election held 8 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm
election results: Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI reelected president;percent of popular vote - Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI 53.9%, AndrzjOLECHOWSKI 17.3%, Marian KRZAKLEWSKI 15.6%, Lech WALESA 1%
Portugal:chief of state: President Jorge SAMPAIO (since 9 March1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Antonio Manuel de OlivieraGUTERRES (since 28 October 1995)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime minister
note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultativebody to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA January 2006); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president
election results: Jorge SAMPAIO re-elected president; percent of vote - Jorge SAMPAIO (Socialist) 55.8%, Joaquim FERREIRA Do Amaral (Social Democrat) 34.5%, Antonio ABREU (Communist) 5.1%
Puerto Rico:chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US(since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20January 2001)
head of government: Governor Sila M. CALDERON (since NA January2001)
cabinet: appointed by the governor with the consent of the legislature
elections: US president and vice president elected on the same ticket for four-year terms; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)
election results: Sila M. CALDERON (PDP) elected governor; percent of vote - 48.8%
Qatar:chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27June 1995 when, as crown prince, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFAbin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Crown Prince JASSIM binHamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, third son of the monarch (selected crownprince by the monarch 22 October 1996); note - Amir HAMAD also holdsthe positions of minister of defense and commander-in-chief of thearmed forces
head of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996); Deputy Prime Minister MUHAMMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch (since 20 January 1998)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
note: in March 1999 Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-memberCentral Municipal Council, which has consultative powers aimed atimproving the provision of municipal services
Reunion:chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Robert POMMIES (since NA 1996)
head of government: President of the General Council Jean-LucPOUDROUX (since NA March 1998) and President of the Regional CouncilPaul VERGES (since NA March 1993)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the General and Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils
Romania:chief of state: President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 December2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Adrian NASTASE (since 29December 2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 26 November 2000, with runoff between the top two candidates held 10 December 2000 (next to be held NA November/December 2004); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: percent of vote - Ion ILIESCU 66.84%, CorneliuVadim TUDOR 33.16%
Russia:chief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN(acting president since 31 December 1999, president since 7 May 2000)
head of government: Premier Mikhail Mikhaylovich KASYANOV (since 7May 2000); First Deputy Premier Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 18May 2000), Deputy Premiers Aleksey Vasilyevich GORDEYEV (since 20May 2000), Viktor Borisovich KHRISTENKO (since 31 May 1999), IlyaIosifovich KLEBANOV (since 31 May 1999), Valentina IvanovnaMATVIYENKO (since 22 September 1998)
cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed of the premier and his deputies, ministers, and other agency heads; all are appointed by the president
note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a Security Council also reports directly to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 26 March 2000 (next to be held NA 2004); note - no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns, the premier succeeds him; the premier serves as acting president until a new presidential election is held, which must be within three months; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the Duma
election results: Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN elected president;percent of vote - PUTIN 52.9%, Gennadiy Aadreyevich ZYUGANOV 29.2%,Grigoriy Alekseyevich YAVLINSKIY 5.8%
Rwanda:chief of state: President Maj. Gen. Paul KAGAME (FPR)(since 22 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March 2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: normally the president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term; special election for new president by deputies of the National Assembly and governmental ministers held 17 April 2000 (next national election to be held NA 2003); prime minister is appointed by the president
election results: Paul KAGAME (FPR) elected president in a special parliamentary/ministerial ballot receiving 81 of a possible 86 votes
Saint Helena:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952)
head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief David HOLLAMBY(since NA June 1999)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, two ex officioofficers, and six elected members of the Legislative Council
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointedby the monarch
Saint Kitts and Nevis:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor General Perlette LOUISY(since September 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general
Saint Lucia:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Governor General Dr. Perlette LOUISY (sinceSeptember 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Kenneth ANTHONY (since 24 May1997) and Deputy Prime Minister Mario MICHEL (since 24 May 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general
Saint Pierre and Miquelon: chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Remi THUAU (since NA)
head of government: President of the General Council Bernard LE SOAVEC (since NA 1996)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 7 May 1995 (next to be held NA May 2002); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the General Council is elected by the members of the council
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETHII (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General DavidJACK (since 29 September 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Ralph GONSALVES (since 29 March2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
Samoa:chief of state: Chief Susuga MALIETOA Tanumafili II (cochiefof state from 1 January 1962 until becoming sole chief of state 5April 1963)
head of government: Prime Minister TUILA'EPA Sailele Malielegaoi (since 24 November 1998); note - TUILA'EPA served as deputy prime minister since 1992; he assumed the prime ministership in November 1998 when former Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana resigned in poor health; the post of deputy prime minister is currently vacant
cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members, appointed by the chief of state with the prime minister's advice
elections: upon the death of Chief Susuga MALIETOA Tanumafili II, a new chief of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a five-year term; prime minister appointed by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly
San Marino:chief of state: cochiefs of state Captain Regent LuigiLONFERNINI and Captain Regent Fabio BERARDI (for the period 1 April2001-30 September 2001)
head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and PoliticalAffairs Gabriele GATTI (since NA July 1986)
cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Councilfor a five-year term
elections: cochiefs of state (captain regents) elected by the Great and General Council for a six-month term; election last held NA March 2001 (next to be held NA September 2001); secretary of state for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term; election last held NA June 1998 (next to be held NA June 2003)
election results: Luigi LONFERNINI and Fabio BERARDI elected captain regents; percent of legislative vote - NA; Gabriele GATTI reelected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA
note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council) selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (cochiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State) which has ten other members, all selected by the Grand and General Council; assisting the captains regent are three secretaries of state - Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Finance - and several additional secretaries; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed many of the prerogatives of a prime minister
Sao Tome and Principe: chief of state: President Miguel TROVOADA (since 4 April 1991)
head of government: Prime Minister Guilherma Posser da COSTA (since 30 December 1998)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 30 June and 21 July 1996 (next to be held NA July 2001); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president
election results: Miguel TROVOADA reelected president in Sao Tome's second multiparty presidential election; percent of vote - Miguel TROVOADA 52.74%, Manuel Pinto da COSTA 47.26%
Saudi Arabia:chief of state: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abdal-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First DeputyPrime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to themonarch, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1January to 22 February 1996); note - the monarch is both the chiefof state and head of government
head of government: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the monarch, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1 January to 22 February 1996); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch and includes many royal family members
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Senegal:chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Madior BOYE (since 3 March 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 27 February and 19 March 2000 (next to be held 27 February 2007); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Abdoulaye WADE elected president; percent of votein the second round of voting - Abdoulaye WADE (PDS) 58.49%, AbdouDIOUF (PS) 41.51%
Seychelles:chief of state: President France Albert RENE (since 5June 1977); note - the president is both the chief of state and headof government
head of government: President France Albert RENE (since 5 June 1977); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 20-22 March 1998 (next to be held by NA 2003)
election results: France Albert RENE reelected president; percent of vote - France Albert RENE (SPPF) 66.7%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (UO) 19.5%, Sir James MANCHAM (DP) 13.8%
Sierra Leone:chief of state: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since29 March 1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president isboth the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29 March1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both thechief of state and head of government
cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election held 26-27 February and 15 March 1996 (next to be held NA September 2001); note - president's tenure of office is limited to two five-year terms
election results: Ahmad Tejan KABBAH elected president; percent ofvote - Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (SLPP) 59.5%, John KAREFA-SMART (UNPP)40.5%
Singapore:chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN(since 1 September 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 28 November1990) and Deputy Prime Ministers LEE Hsien Loong (since 28 November1990) and Tony TAN Keng Yam (since 1 August 1995)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, responsible toParliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 28 August 1999 (next to be held NA August 2005); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president; deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN elected president unopposed
Slovakia:chief of state: President Rudolf SCHUSTER (since 15 June1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Mikulas DZURINDA (since 30October 1998)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendationof the prime minister
elections: president elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 29 May 1999 (next to be held NA May/June 2004); following National Council elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president
election results: Rudolf SCHUSTER elected president in the first direct, popular election; percent of vote - Rudolf SCHUSTER 57%
note: government coalition - SDK, SDL, SMK, SOP, KDH
Slovenia:chief of state: President Milan KUCAN (since 22 April1990)
head of government: Prime Minister Janez DRNOVSEK (since 15 October2000);
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 24 November 1997 (next to be held NA 2002); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly; election last held 15 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2004)
election results: Milan KUCAN elected president; percent of vote - Milan KUCAN 56.3%, Janez PODOBNIK 18%; Janez DRNOVSEK elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA
Solomon Islands:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor General Father John LAPLI(since NA 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Mannaseh Damukana SOGAVARE (since 1 July 2000); Assistant Prime Minister Nathaniel WAENA (since 1 July 2000); Deputy Prime Minister Allan KEMAKEZA (since 1 July 2000); note - Prime Minister Bartholomew ULUFA'ALU was forced to resign his position in June 2000 following the armed takeover of the capital by elements supporting the opposition parties; Mannaseh Damukana SOGAVARE, who had been opposition leader, was then elected prime minister at a sitting of National Parliament on 30 June 2000
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of Parliament
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of Parliament for up to five years; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of Parliament
Somalia:chief of state: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan (since 26 August2000); note - Interim President ABDIKASSIM was chosen for athree-year term by a 245-member National Assembly serving as atransitional government; the present political situation is stillunstable, particularly in the south, with interclan fighting andrandom banditry
head of government: ALI Khalifa Galaydh, appointed by the president8 October 2000
cabinet: appointed by the prime minister and sworn in on 20 October 2000
election results: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan was elected president of an interim government at the Djibouti-sponsored Arta Peace Conference on 26 August 2000 by a broad representation of Somali clans that comprised a transitional National Assembly.
South Africa:chief of state: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June1999); Executive Deputy President Jacob ZUMA (since 17 June 1999);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment
head of government: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June 1999); Executive Deputy President Jacob ZUMA (since 17 June 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 2 June 1999 (next scheduled for sometime between May and July 2004)
election results: Thabo MBEKI elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 100% (by acclamation)
note: ANC-IFP governing coalition
Spain:chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975);Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968
head of government: President of the Government Jose Maria AZNAR Lopez (since 5 May 1996); First Vice President Juan Jose LUCAS (since 28 February 2000) and Second Vice President (and Minister of Economy) Rodrigo RATO Figaredo (since 5 May 1996)
cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president
note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government
elections: the monarch is hereditary; president proposed by the monarch and elected by the National Assembly following legislative elections; election last held 12 March 2000 (next to be held NA March 2004); vice presidents appointed by the monarch on proposal of the president
election results: Jose Maria AZNAR Lopez (PP) elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 44%
Sri Lanka:chief of state: President Chandrika BandaranaikeKUMARATUNGA (since 12 November 1994); note - RatnasiriWICKRAMANAYAKE (since 10 August 2000) is the prime minister; in SriLanka the president is considered to be both the chief of state andthe head of the government, this is in contrast to the more commonpractice of dividing the roles between the president and the primeminister when both offices exist
head of government: President Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA (since 12 November 1994); note - Ratnasiri WICKRAMANAYAKE (since 10 August 2000) is the prime minister; in Sri Lanka the president is considered to be both the chief of state and the head of the government, this is in contrast to the more common practice of dividing the roles between the president and the prime minister when both offices exist
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 21 December 1999 (next to be held NA December 2005)
election results: Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA reelectedpresident; percent of vote - Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA (PA)51%, Ranil WICKREMASINGHE (UNP) 42%, other 7%
Sudan:chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Umar Hasan Ahmadal-BASHIR (since 16 October 1993); First Vice President Ali UthmanMuhammad TAHA (since 17 February 1998), Second Vice President MosesMACHAR (since 12 February 2001); note - the president is both thechief of state and head of government
head of government: President Lt. Gen. Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16 October 1993); First Vice President Ali Uthman Muhammad TAHA (since 17 February 1998), Second Vice President Moses MACHAR (since 12 February 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the National Congress Party (front for the National Islamic Front or NIF) dominates BASHIR's cabinet
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 13-23 December 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)
election results: Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected president; percent of vote - Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR 86.5%, Ja'afar Muhammed NUMAYRI 9.6%, three other candidates received less than a combined 4% of the vote
note: BASHIR assumed supreme executive power in 1989 and retained it through several transitional governments in the early and mid-90s before being popularly elected for the first time in March 1996
Suriname:chief of state: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since12 August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of government
head of government: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since 12 August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12 August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate receives a constitutional majority vote in the National Assembly after two votes, by the larger People's Assembly (869 representatives from the national, local, and regional councils), for five-year terms; election last held 6 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)
note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to the calling of elections a year early
election results: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN elected president; percent of legislative vote - 72.5; National Assembly elected the president - Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (New Front) 37 votes, Rashied DOEKHIE (NDP) 10 votes
Svalbard:chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January1991)
head of government: Governor Morten RUUD (since NA November 1998) and Assistant Governor Odd Redar HUMLEGAARD (since NA)
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor and assistant governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice
Swaziland:chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
head of government: Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas DLAMINI (since9 August 1996)
cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed bythe monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime ministerappointed by the monarch
Sweden:chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree,daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)
head of government: Prime Minister Goran PERSSON (since 21 March 1996)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; prime minister elected by the Parliament; election last held NA September 1998 (next to be held NA 2002)
election results: Goran PERSSON reelected prime minister with 131 out of 349 votes
Switzerland:chief of state: President Moritz LEUENBERGER (since 1January 2001); Vice President Kaspar VILLIGER (since 1 January2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment
head of government: President Moritz LEUENBERGER (since 1 January2001); Vice President Kaspar VILLIGER (since 1 January 2001); note -the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal (in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) elected by the Federal Assembly from among its own members for a four-year term
elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for one-year terms that run concurrently; election last held 6 December 2000 (next to be held NA December 2001)
election results: Moritz LEUENBERGER elected president; percent of Federal Assembly vote - 76%; Kaspar VILLIGER elected vice president; percent of legislative vote - 72%
Syria:chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July2000); Vice Presidents Abd al-Halim ibn Said KHADDAM (since 11 March1984) and Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since 11 March 1984)
head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa MIRU (since 13March 2000), Deputy Prime Ministers Lt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS (since 11March 1984), Khalid RA'D (since 13 March 2000), Muhammad NAJI 'UTRI(since 13 March 2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; referendum/election last held 10 July 2000 - after the death of President Hafez al-ASAD, father of Bashar al-ASAD - (next to be held NA 2007); vice presidents appointed by the president; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Bashar al-ASAD elected president; percent of vote - Bashar al-ASAD 97.29%
note: Hafiz al-ASAD died 10 June 2000; 20 June 2000 the Ba'th Party nominated Bashar al-ASAD for president and presented his name to the People's Council 25 June 2000
Tajikistan:chief of state: President Emomali RAHMONOV (since 6November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19November 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Supreme Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 6 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Emomali RAHMONOV elected president; percent of vote - Emomali RAHMONOV 97%, Davlat USMON 2%
Tanzania:chief of state: President Benjamin William MKAPA (since23 November 1995); Vice President Omar Ali JUMA (since 23 November1995); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernment
head of government: President Benjamin William MKAPA (since 23 November 1995); Vice President Omar Ali JUMA (since 23 November 1995); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for matters internal to Zanzibar; Amani Abeid KARUME was elected to that office on 29 October 2000
cabinet: Cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, are appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Benjamin William MKAPA reelected president;percent of vote - Benjamin William MKAPA 71.7%, Ibrahim HarunaLIPUMBA 16.3%, Augustine Lyatonga MREME 7.8%, John Momose CHEYO 4.2%
Thailand:chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June1946)
head of government: Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat (since NAJanuary 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
note: there is also a Privy Council
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following a national election for the House of Representatives, the leader of the party that can organize a majority coalition usually becomes prime minister
Togo:chief of state: President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA (since 14April 1967)
head of government: Prime Minister Agbeyome KODJO (since 29 August2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 21 June 1998 (next to be held NA 2003); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Gnassingbe EYADEMA reelected president; percentof vote - Gnassingbe EYADEMA 52.13%, Gilchrist OLYMPIO 34.12%, other13.75%
Tokelau:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); the UK and New Zealand are represented by AdministratorLindsay WATT (since NA March 1993)
head of government: Aliki Faipule FALIMATEAO (since NA 1997)
cabinet: the Council of Faipule, consisting of three elected leaders, one from each atoll; functions as a cabinet
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a one-year term
Tonga:chief of state: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December1965)
head of government: Prime Minister Prince Lavaka ata ULUKALALA(since NA February 2000) and Deputy Prime Minister Tevita TOPOU(since NA January 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
note: there is also a Privy Council that consists of the monarch and the Cabinet
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed for life by the monarch
Trinidad and Tobago: chief of state: President Arthur Napoleon Raymond ROBINSON (since 19 March 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Basdeo PANDAY (since 9 November 1995)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament
elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a five-year term; election last held 11 December 2000 (next to be held by NA 2005); prime minister appointed from among the members of Parliament; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives is usually appointed prime minister
election results: Arthur Napoleon Raymond ROBINSON elected president; percent of electoral college vote - 69%
Tunisia:chief of state: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI (since 7November 1987)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17November 1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 24 October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for athird term without opposition; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BENALI nearly 100%
Turkey:chief of state: President Ahmed Necdet SEZER (since 16 May2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Bulent ECEVIT (since 11 January1999)