Iranchief of state: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI(since 4 June 1989)head of government: President (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani (since3 August 1997); First Vice President Dr. Mohammad Reza AREF-YAZDI(since 26 August 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president withlegislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control overappointments to the more sensitive ministrieselections: leader of the Islamic Revolution appointed for life bythe Assembly of Experts; president elected by popular vote for afour-year term; election last held 8 June 2001 (next to be held June2005)election results: (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani reelectedpresident; percent of vote - (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani 77%
Iraqchief of state: in transition following April 2003 defeat ofSADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition
Irelandchief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November1997)head of government: Prime Minister Bertie AHERN (since 26 June 1997)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nominationby the prime minister and approval of the House of Representativeselections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;election last held 31 October 1997 (next to be held NA November2004); prime minister nominated by the House of Representatives andappointed by the presidentelection results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote -Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%note: government coalition - Fianna Fail and the ProgressiveDemocrats
Israelchief of state: President Moshe KATSAV (since 31 July 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Ariel SHARON (since 7 March 2001)cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by theKnessetelections: president elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term;election last held 31 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2007); followinglegislative elections, the president assigns a Knesset member -traditionally the leader of the largest party - the task of forminga governing coalition; election last held 28 January 2003 (next tobe held fall of 2007)election results: Moshe KATSAV elected president by the 120-memberKnesset with a total of 60 votes, other candidate, Shimon PERES,received 57 votes (there were three abstentions); Ariel SHARONcontinues as prime minister after Likud Party victory in January2003 Knesset elections; Likud won 38 seats and then formed coalitiongovernment with Shinui, the National Religious Party, and theNational Union
Italychief of state: President Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI (since 13 May1999)head of government: Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as thepresident of the Council of Ministers) Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 10June 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister andapproved by the presidentelections: president elected by an electoral college consisting ofboth houses of Parliament and 58 regional representatives for aseven-year term; election last held 13 May 1999 (next to be held NAMay 2006); prime minister appointed by the president and confirmedby Parliamentelection results: Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI elected president; percent ofelectoral college vote - 70%note: a five-party government coalition includes Forza Italia,National Alliance, Northern League, Democratic Christian Center,United Christian Democrats
Jamaicachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Sir Howard Felix COOKE (since 1August 1991)head of government: Prime Minister Percival James PATTERSON (since30 March 1992)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the primeminister; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the Houseof Representatives is appointed prime minister by the governorgeneral; the deputy prime minister is recommended by the primeminister
Japanchief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April2001)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates theprime minister; the constitution requires that the prime ministermust command a parliamentary majority; therefore, followinglegislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader ofa majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomesprime ministernote: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI,Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majorityLiberal Democratic Party and soon thereafter designated by the Dietto become the next prime minister
Jerseychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief AirChief Marshall Sir John CHESHIRE (since 24 January 2001) and BailiffPhilip Martin BAILHACHE (since NA February 1995)cabinet: committees appointed by the Assembly of the Stateselections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor andbailiff appointed by the monarch
Jordanchief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);Crown Prince HAMZAH (half brother of the monarch, born 29 March 1980)head of government: Prime Minister Faisal al-FAYEZ (since 25 October2003)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultationwith the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointedby the monarch
Kazakhstanchief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV(chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, electedpresident 1 December 1991)head of government: Prime Minister Daniyal AKHMETOV (since 13 June2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;election last held 10 January 1999, a year before it was previouslyscheduled (next to be held NA 2006); note - President NAZARBAYEV'sprevious term was extended to 2000 by a nationwide referendum held30 April 1995; prime minister and first deputy prime ministerappointed by the presidentelection results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 81.7%, SerikbolsynABDILDIN 12.1%, Gani KASYMOV 4.7%, Engels GABBASSOV 1.5%note: President NAZARBAYEV expanded his presidential powers bydecree: only he can initiate constitutional amendments, appoint anddismiss the government, dissolve Parliament, call referenda at hisdiscretion, and appoint administrative heads of regions and cities
Kenyachief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002)and Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002)and Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;in addition to receiving the largest number of votes in absoluteterms, the presidential candidate must also win 25% or more of thevote in at least five of Kenya's seven provinces and one area toavoid a runoff; election last held 27 December 2002 (next to be heldNA December 2007); vice president appointed by the presidentelection results: President Mwai KIBAKI elected; percent of vote -Mwai KIBAKI 63%, Uhuru KENYATTA 30%
Kiribatichief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003);Vice President NA; note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); VicePresident NA; note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmentcabinet: 12-member Cabinet appointed by the president from among themembers of the House of Parliamentelections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidentialcandidates from among their members and then those candidatescompete in a general election; president is elected by popular votefor a four-year term; election last held 4 July 2003 (next to beheld not later than July 2007); vice president appointed by thepresidentelection results: Anote TONG 47.4%, Harry TONG 43.5%, Banuera BERINA9.1%
Korea, Northchief of state: KIM Chong-il (since NA July 1994); note- on 3 September 2003, KIM Chong-il was reelected Chairman of theNational Defense Commission, a position accorded the nation's"highest administrative authority"; KIM Yong-nam was reelectedPresident of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium and given theresponsibility of representing the state and receiving diplomaticcredentialshead of government: Premier PAK Pong-chu (since 3 September 2003);Vice Premiers KWAK Pom-ki (since 5 September 1998), CHON Sung-hun(since 3 September 2003), NO Tu-chol (since 3 September 2003)cabinet: Cabinet (Naegak), members, except for the Minister ofPeople's Armed Forces, are appointed by the Supreme People's Assemblyelections: premier elected by the Supreme People's Assembly;election last held NA September 1998 (next to be held NA)election results: HONG Song-nam elected premier; percent of SupremePeople's Assembly vote - NA%
Korea, Southchief of state: President NO Mu-hyun (ROH Moo-hyun)(since 25 February 2003)head of government: Prime Minister KO Kun (KOH Kun) (since 27February 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers KIM Chin-p'yo (KIM Jin-pyo)(since 27 February 2003) and YUN Tok-hong (since 6 March 2003)cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the primeminister's recommendationelections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-yearterm; election last held 19 December 2002 (next to be held NADecember 2007); prime minister appointed by the president; deputyprime ministers appointed by the president on the prime minister'srecommendationelection results: results of the 19 December 2002 election - NOMuh-hyun elected president, took office 25 February 2003; percent ofvote - NO Muh-hyun (MDP) 48.9%; YI Hoe-ch'ang (GNP) 46.6%; other 4.5%
Kuwaitchief of state: Amir JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since31 December 1977)head of government: Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah(since 13 July 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister NAWWAF al-Ahmad AlSabah (since 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers JABIR MUBARAK al-Hamad AlSabah (since 2001) and Muhammad Dayfallah al-SHARAR (since 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister andapproved by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister anddeputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch
Kyrgyzstanchief of state: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October1990)head of government: Prime Minister Nikolay TANAYEV (since 22 May2002); note - Prime Minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV resigned on 22 May2002 when five demonstrators were killed in a clash with police inMarch of 2002cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;elections last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held November orDecember 2005); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Askar AKAYEV reelected president; percent of vote- Askar AKAYEV 74%, Omurbek TEKEBAYEV 14%, other candidates 12%;note - election marred by serious irregularities
Laoschief of state: President Gen. KHAMTAI Siphandon (since 26February 1998) and Vice President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason(since 27 March 2001)head of government: Prime Minister BOUNGNANG Volachit (since 27March 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli(since NA May 2002), Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since27 March 2001), and Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since26 February 1998)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approvedby the National Assemblyelections: president elected by the National Assembly for afive-year term; election last held 24 February 2002 (next to be heldNA 2007); prime minister appointed by the president with theapproval of the National Assembly for a five-year termelection results: KHAMTAI Siphandon elected president; percent ofNational Assembly vote - NA%
Latviachief of state: President Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA (since 8 July1999)head of government: Prime Minister Einars REPSE (since 7 November2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister andappointed by the Parliamentelections: president reelected by Parliament for a four-year term;election last held 20 June 2003 (next to be held by June 2007);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA reelected president;parliamentary vote - Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA 88 of 94 votes cast
Lebanonchief of state: President Emile LAHUD (since 24 November1998)head of government: Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI (since 23 October2000); Deputy Prime Minister Issam FARES (since 23 October 2000);note - HARIRI resigned on 15 April 2003, but was reappointed thenext daycabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation withthe president and members of the National Assemblyelections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-yearterm; election last held 15 October 1998 (next to be held NA 2004);prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the presidentin consultation with the National Assembly; by custom, the presidentis a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, andthe speaker of the legislature is a Shi'a Muslimelection results: Emile LAHUD elected president; National Assemblyvote - 118 votes in favor, 0 against, 10 abstentions
Lesothochief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996);note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November1990 to February 1995, while his father was in exilehead of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May1998)cabinet: Cabinetelections: none; according to the constitution, the leader of themajority party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister;the monarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution,which came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch isa "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislativepowers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power todetermine who is next in the line of succession, who shall serve asregent in the event that the successor is not of mature age, and mayeven depose the monarch
Liberiachief of state: President Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October 2003);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by theSenateelections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term(renewable); election last held 19 July 1997 (next to be held NA2005)election results: Charles Ghankay TAYLOR elected president; percentof vote - Charles Ghankay TAYLOR (NPP) 75.3%, Ellen Johnson SIRLEAF(UP) 9.6%, Alhaji KROMAH (ALCOP) 4%, other 11.1%; note - Taylorstepped down in August 2003note:: a UN-brokered cease fire among waring factions and theLiberian government resulted in the August 2003 resignation offormer president Charles TAYLOR; a jointly agreed upon replacement,President Gyude BRYANT, assumed office as chairman of the NationalTransitional Government on 14 October 2003
Libyachief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyaral-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title,but is de facto chief of statehead of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee(Premier) Mubarak al-SHAMEKH (since 2 March 2000)cabinet: General People's Committee established by the GeneralPeople's Congresselections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy ofpeople's committees; head of government elected by the GeneralPeople's Congress; election last held 2 March 2000 (next to be heldNA)election results: Mubarak al-SHAMEKH elected premier; percent ofGeneral People's Congress vote - NA%
Liechtensteinchief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November1989, assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent PrinceALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968)head of government: Head of Government Otmar HASLER (since 5 April2001) and Deputy Head of Government Rita KIEBER-BECK (since 5 April2001)cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party in the Diet is usuallyappointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader ofthe largest minority party in the Diet is usually appointed thedeputy head of government by the monarch
Lithuaniachief of state: President Rolandas PAKSAS (since 26February 2003)head of government: Premier Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (since 3July 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on thenomination of the premierelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 22 December 2002 and 5 January 2003 (next to beheld in late 2007); premier appointed by the president on theapproval of the Parliamentelection results: Rolandas PAKSAS elected president; percent of vote- Rolandas PAKSAS 54.9%, Valdas ADAMKUS 45.1%
Luxembourgchief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000);Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November1981)head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 1January 1995) and Vice Prime Minister Lydie POLFER (since 7 August1999)cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister andappointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following popularelections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majorityparty or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointedprime minister by the monarch; the deputy prime minister isappointed by the monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber ofDeputiesnote: government coalition - CSV and DP
Macauchief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March2003)head of government: Chief Executive Edmund HO Hau-wah (since 20December 1999)cabinet: Executive Council consists of all five governmentsecretaries, three legislators, and two businessmenelections: chief executive chosen by a 200-member selectioncommittee for up to two five-year terms
Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic ofchief of state: PresidentBoris TRAJKOVSKI (since 15 December 1999)head of government: Prime Minister Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 1November 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of allthe deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by thegovernment coalition parties SDSM, LDP, and DUI (or BDI)elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 14 November 1999 (next to be held NA October2004); prime minister elected by the Assembly; election last held 1November 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)election results: Boris TRAJKOVSKI elected president on second-roundballot; percent of vote - Boris TRAJKOVSKI 52.4%, Tito PETKOVSKI46.2%; Branko CRVENKOVSKI elected prime minister by Parliament with72% of the vote
Madagascarchief of state: President Marc RAVALOMANANA (since 6 May2002)head of government: Prime Minister Jacques SYLLA (27 May 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 16 December 2001 (next to be held NA November2006); prime minister appointed by the president from a list ofcandidates nominated by the National Assemblyelection results: percent of vote - Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 40.89%,Marc RAVALOMANANA 46.21%; note - on 29 April 2002, the HighConstitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner by 51.5%after a recount; RATSIRIKA's prime minister was put under housearrest on 27 May 2002, and SYLLA was appointed the new primeminister by President RAVALOMANANA
Malawichief of state: President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 15 June 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)election results: Bakili MULUZI reelected president; percent of vote- Bakili MULUZI (UDF) 51.4%, Gwandaguluwe CHAKUAMBA (MCP-AFORD) 44.3%
Malaysiachief of state: Paramount Ruler Tuanku SYED SIRAJUDDIN ibniAlmarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Raja of Perlis (since 12December 2001)head of government: Prime Minister ABDULLAH bin Ahmad Badawi (since31 October 2003); Deputy Prime Minister NA (since 31 October 2003)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among themembers of Parliament with consent of the paramount rulerelections: paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulersof nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held 12December 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister designatedfrom among the members of the House of Representatives; followinglegislative elections, the leader of the party that wins a pluralityof seats in the House of Representatives becomes prime ministerelection results: Tuanku SYED SIRAJUDDIN ibni Almarhum Tuanku SyedPutra Jamalullail elected paramount ruler
Maldiveschief of state: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmentcabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president; note -need not be members of Majliselections: president nominated by the Majlis and then the nominationmust be ratified by a national referendum (at least a 51% approvalmargin is required); president elected for a five-year term;election last held 16 October 1998 (next to be held NA October 2003)election results: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected inreferendum held 17 October 2003; percent of popular vote - MaumoonAbdul GAYOOM 90.3%
Malichief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June2002)head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed Ag HAMANI (since 9June 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(two-term limit); election last held 12 May 2002 (next to be held NAMay 2007); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Amadou Toumani TOURE elected president; percent ofvote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 64.4%, Soumaila CISSE 35.6%
Maltachief of state: President Guido DE MARCO (since 4 April 1999)head of government: Prime Minister Eddie FENECH ADAMI (since 6September 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 4 April1999)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of theprime ministerelections: president elected by the House of Representatives for afive-year term; election last held NA April 1999 (next to be held byApril 2004); following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or leader of a majority coalition is usuallyappointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; thedeputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice ofthe prime ministerelection results: Guido DE MARCO elected president; percent of Houseof Representatives vote - 54%
Man, Isle ofchief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Ian MACFADYEN(since 26 October 2002)head of government: Chief Minister Richard CORKILL (since 6 December2001)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointedby the monarch for a five-year term; the Chief Minister is electedby the Tynwald; election last held 6 December 2001 (next to be heldNA December 2006)election results: Richard CORKILL elected chief minister by theTynwald
Marshall Islandschief of state: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3January 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3 January2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members ofParliamentelections: president elected by Parliament from among its ownmembers for a four-year term; election last held 15 November 1999(next to be held NA November 2003)election results: Kessai Hesa NOTE elected president; percent ofParliament vote - 100%
Martiniquechief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since17 May 1995); Prefect Michel CADOT (since 21 June 2000)head of government: President of the General Council Claude LISE(since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council AlfredMARIE-JEANNE (since NA March 1998)cabinet: NAelections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of theFrench Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General andRegional Councils are elected by the members of those councils
Mauritaniachief of state: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA(since 12 December 1984)head of government: Prime Minister Sghair Ould M'BARECK (since 6July 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;election last held 7 November 2003 (next to be held NA 2009); primeminister appointed by the presidentelection results: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA reelectedfor a third term with 60.8% of the vote
Mauritiuschief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7October 2003) and Vice President (vacant; a new Vice President willbe determined by assembly elections on NA December 2003)head of government: Prime Minister Paul BERENGER (since 30 September2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president and vice president elected by the NationalAssembly for five-year terms; election last held 25 February 2002(next to be held NA 2007); prime minister and deputy prime ministerappointed by the president, responsible to the National Assemblyelection results: Karl OFFMANN elected president and Raouf BUNDHUNelected vice president; percent of vote by the National Assembly -NA%; note - Karl OFFMANN and Raouf BUNDHUN stepped down on 30September 2003
Mayottechief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Jacques BROT (since 3 July2002)head of government: President of the General Council YounoussaBAMANA (since NA 1977)cabinet: NAelections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of theFrench Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Councilelected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term
Mexicochief of state: President Vicente FOX Quesada (since 1December 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Vicente FOX Quesada (since 1 December2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment ofattorney general requires consent of the Senateelections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;election last held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA July 2006)election results: Vicente FOX Quesada elected president; percent ofvote - Vicente FOX Quesada (PAN) 42.52%, Francisco LABASTIDA Ochoa(PRI) 36.1%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (PRD) 16.64%, other 4.74%
Micronesia, Federated States ofchief of state: President Joseph J.URUSEMAL (since 11 May 2003); Vice President Redley KILLION; note -the president is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Joseph J. URUSEMAL (since 11 May2003); Vice President Redley KILLION; note - the president is boththe chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinetelections: president and vice president elected by Congress fromamong the four senators at large for four-year terms; election lastheld 11 May 2003 (next to be held NA May 2007); note - a proposedconstitutional amendment to establish popular elections forpresident and vice president failedelection results: Joseph J. URUSEMAL elected president; percent ofCongress vote - NA%; Redley KILLION elected vice president; percentof Congress vote - NA%
Moldovachief of state: President Vladimir VORONIN (since 4 April2001)head of government: Prime Minister Vasile TARLEV (since 15 April2001), First Deputy Prime Minister Vasile IOVV (since NA 2002),Deputy Prime Minister Stefan ODAGIU (since NA 2002)cabinet: selected by prime minister, subject to approval ofParliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term;election last held 4 April 2001 (next to be held NA 2005); note -presidential elections were scheduled for December 2000, but in July2000, Parliament canceled direct, popular elections; Parliament'sfailure to chose a new president in December 2000 led to earlyparliamentary elections in February 2001; prime minister designatedby the president, upon consultation with Parliament; note - within15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must requesta vote of confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her workprogram and entire cabinet; prime minister designated 15 April 2001,cabinet received a vote of confidence 19 April 2001election results: Vladimir VORONIN elected president; parliamentaryvotes - Vladimir VORONIN 71, Dumitru BRAGHIS 15, Valerian CHRISTEA3; Vasile TARLEV designated prime minister; parliamentary votes ofconfidence - 75 of 101
Monacochief of state: Prince RAINIER III (since 9 May 1949); HeirApparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre, son of the monarch(born 14 March 1958)head of government: Minister of State Patrick LECLERCQ (since 5January 2000)cabinet: Council of Government is under the authority of the monarchelections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; minister of stateappointed by the monarch from a list of three French nationalcandidates presented by the French Government
Mongoliachief of state: President Natsagiyn BAGABANDI (since 20June 1997)head of government: Prime Minister Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR (since 26 July2000)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the State Great Hural in consultationwith the presidentelections: president nominated by parties in the State Great Huraland elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held20 May 2001 (next to be held NA May 2005); following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition isusually elected prime minister by the State Great Hural; electionlast held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)election results: Natsagiyn BAGABANDI reelected president; percentof vote - Natsagiyn BAGABANDI (MPRP) 58.13%, RadnaasumbereliynGONCHIGDORJ (DP) 36.58%, Luvsandamba DASHNYAM (CWP) 3.54%, other1.75%; Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR elected prime minister by a vote in theState Great Hural of 68 to 3
Montserratchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Governor Anthony LONGRIGG (since NA May 2001)head of government: Chief Minister John OSBORNE (since 5 April 2001)cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chiefminister, three other ministers, the attorney general, and thefinance secretaryelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by themonarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty usually becomes chief minister
Moroccochief of state: King MOHAMED VI (since 23 July 1999)head of government: Prime Minister Driss JETTOU (since 9 October2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointedby the monarch following legislative elections
Mozambiquechief of state: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since6 November 1986); note - before being popularly elected, CHISSANOwas elected president by Frelimo's Central Committee on 4 November1986 (reelected by the Committee 30 July 1989)head of government: Prime Minister Pascoal MOCUMBI (since 17December 1994)cabinet: Cabinetelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 3-5 December 1999 (next to be held NA 2004);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO reelected president;percent of vote - Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO 52.29%, Afonso DHLAKAMA47.71%
Namibiachief of state: President Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA (since 21March 1990)head of government: Prime Minister Theo-Ben GURIRAB (since 28 August2002)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the membersof the National Assemblyelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 30 November-1 December 1999 (next to be held NA2004)election results: Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA elected president; percentof vote - Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA 77%
Nauruchief of state: President Rene HARRIS (since 8 August 2003)note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Rene HARRIS (since 8 August 2003) note- the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the membersof Parliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term;election last held 29 May 2003 (next to be held NA 2006)election results: Ludwig SCOTTY elected president 29 May 2003;Ludwig SCOTTY 10 parliamentary votes, Kinza CLODUMAR 7note: Ludwig SCOTTY was removed from the presidency in ano-confidence vote 8 August 2003; Rene HARRIS became president
Nepalchief 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 Surya Bahadur THAPA (since 4 June2003); note - Prime Minister CHAND resigned 30 May 2003cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch on the recommendation ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majoritycoalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarchnote: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev died in a bloody shooting atthe royal palace on 1 June 2001 that also claimed the lives of mostof the royal family; King BIRENDRA's son, Crown Price DIPENDRA, isbelieved to have been responsible for the shootings before fatallywounding himself; immediately following the shootings and whilestill clinging to life, DIPENDRA was crowned king; he died threedays later and was succeeded by his uncle
Netherlandschief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of themonarchhead of government: Prime Minister Jan Peter BALKENENDE (since 22July 2002) and Deputy Prime Ministers Gerrit ZALM (since 27 May2003) and Thom DE GRAAF (since 27 May 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following SecondChamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of amajority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by themonarch; vice prime ministers appointed by the monarchnote: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heirapparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the primeminister on legislative and administrative policy
Netherlands Antilleschief of state: Queen BEATRIX of theNetherlands (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor GeneralFrits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1 July 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Mirna LOUISA-GODETT (since 11August 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Statenelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime ministerby the Staten; election last held 18 January 2002 (next to be heldby NA 2006)note: government coalition - PDB, DP-St. M, FOL, PLKP, PNP
New Caledoniachief of state: President of France Jacques CHIRAC(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner DanielCONSTANTIN (since 3 July 2002)head of government: President of the Government Pierre FROGIER(since 5 April 2001)cabinet: Consultative Committeeelections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; high commissioner appointed by the French president on theadvice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of thegovernment elected by the members of the Territorial Congress; note- last election held 28 November 2002 when Pierre FROGIER wasreelected
New Zealandchief 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 Michael CULLEN (since NA July 2002)cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputyprime minister appointed by the governor general
Nicaraguachief of state: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10January 2002); Vice President Jose RIZO Castellon (since 10 January2002); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10January 2002); Vice President Jose RIZO Castellon (since 10 January2002); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 4 November2001 (next to be held by November 2006)election results: Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (PLC) elected president -56.3%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 42.3%, Alberto SABORIO (PC)1.4%; Jose RIZO Castellon elected vice president
Nigerchief of state: President TANDJA Mamadou (since 22 December1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President TANDJA Mamadou (since 22 December1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernment; Prime Minister Hama AMADOU (since 31 December 1999) wasappointed by the president and shares some executiveresponsibilities with the presidentcabinet: 23-member Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;last held 24 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); prime ministerappointed by the presidentelection results: TANDJA Mamadou elected president; percent of vote- TANDJA Mamadou 59.9%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 40.1%
Nigeriachief of state: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May 1999);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Federal Executive Councilelections: president is elected by popular vote for no more than twofour-year terms; election last held 19 April 2003 (next to be heldNA 2007)election results: Olusegun OBASANJO elected president; percent ofvote - Olusegun OBASANJO (PDP) 61.9%, Muhammadu BUHARI (ANPP) 31.2%,Chukwuemeka Odumegwu OJUKWU (APGA) 3.3%, other 3.6%
Niuechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); theUK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High CommissionerJohn BRYAN (since NA May 2000)head of government: Premier Young VIVIAN (since 1 May 2002)cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministerselections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by theLegislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 1 May2002 (next to be held NA May 2005)election results: Young VIVIAN elected premier; percent ofLegislative Assembly vote - Young VIVIAN (NPP) 70%, HunukitamaHUNUKI (AI) 30%
Norfolk Islandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); the UK and Australia are represented by Administrator AnthonyJ. MESSNER (since 4 August 1997)head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister GeoffreyRobert GARDNER (since 5 December 2001)cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members ofthe Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy andacts as an advisor to the administratorelections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by thegovernor general of Australia; chief minister elected by theLegislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years;election last held 29 November 2001 (next to be held by December2004)election results: Geoffrey Robert GARDNER elected chief minister;percent of Legislative Assembly vote - NA%
Northern Mariana Islandschief of state: President George W. BUSH ofthe US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY(since 20 January 2001)head of government: Governor Juan N. BABAUTA (since NA January2002); Lieutenant Governor Diego T. BENEVENTE (since NA January 2002)cabinet: NAelections: US president and vice president elected on the sameticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor electedon the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; electionlast held NA November 2001 (next to be held NA November 2005)election results: Juan N. BABAUTA elected governor in a four-wayrace; percent of vote - Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican Party) 49%
Norwaychief 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 Kjell Magne BONDEVIK (since 19October 2001)cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval ofParliamentelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentaryelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by themonarch with the approval of the Parliament
Omanchief 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 governmenthead of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said AlSaid (since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief ofstate and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Pakistannote: following a military takeover on 12 October 1999,Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffCommittee, General Pervez MUSHARRAF, suspended Pakistan'sconstitution and assumed the additional title of Chief Executive;exercising the powers of the head of the government, he appointed aneight-member National Security Council to function as Pakistan'ssupreme governing body; 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; on 20 June 2001, MUSHARRAF named himself as president and wassworn in, replacing Mohammad Rafiq TARAR; in a referendum held on 30April 2002, MUSHARRAF's presidency was extended by five more yearschief of state: President Pervez MUSHARRAF (since 20 June 2001)head of government: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan JAMALI (since23 November 2002)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the Prime Ministerelections: the president is elected by Parliament for a five-yearterm; note - in a referendum held on 30 April 2002, MUSHARRAF'spresidency was extended by five more years (next to be held NA2007); the prime minister is selected by the National Assembly for afour-year term (next to be held NA 2006)election results: results are for the 10 October 2002 election forprime minister - Mir Zafarullah Khan JAMALI elected prime minister
Palauchief 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 governmenthead of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmentcabinet: Cabinetelections: president and vice president elected on separate ticketsby popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 November2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)election results: Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. elected president;percent of vote - Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. 53%, Peter SUGIYAMA46%; Sandra PIERANTOZZI elected vice president; percent of vote -Sandra PIERANTOZZI 52%, Alan SEID 45%
Panamachief 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 governmenthead of government: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (since1 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 - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticketby 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%, MartinTORRIJOS (PRD) 37%note: government coalition - PA, MOLIRENA, Democratic Change,MORENA, PLN, PS
Papua New Guineachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Albert KIPALAN(since 13 November 2003)head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2August 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Andrew BAING (since 15 November2003)cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governorgeneral on the recommendation of the prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the National Executive Council; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition usually is appointed prime minister by thegovernor general
Paraguaychief of state: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15August 2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI (since 15 August2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15 August2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI (since 15 August 2003); note- the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 27 April2003 (next to be held NA April 2008)election results: Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS elected president; percentof vote - Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS 37.1%, Julio Cesar Ramon FRANCOGomez 23.9%, Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella 21.3%, GuillermoSANCHEZ Guffanti 13.5%, other 4.2%
Peruchief of state: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique (since 28July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and headof government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for bythe constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Canseco (since 28July 2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July2001)head of government: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique (since 28July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and headof government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for bythe constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Canseco (since 28July 2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July2001)note: Prime Minister Carlos FERRERO Costa (since 15 December 2003)does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of thepresident; note - Beatriz MERINO was asked to resign on 12 December2003 and was replaced by Carlos FERRERO Costa three days latercabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;special presidential and congressional elections held 8 April 2001,with runoff election held 3 June 2001; next to be held 9 April 2006election results: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique electedpresident in runoff election; percent of vote - Alejandro TOLEDOManrique 53.1%, Alan GARCIA 46.9%
Philippineschief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since20 January 2001) and Vice President Teofisto GUINGONA (since 20January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20January 2001) and Vice President Teofisto GUINGONA (since 20 January2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of theCommission of Appointmentselections: president and vice president elected on separate ticketsby 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 - JosephEjercito ESTRADA elected president; percent of vote - approximately40%; Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected vice president; percent of vote- 55%; note - on 20 January 2001, Vice President GloriaMACAPAGAL-ARROYO was sworn in as the constitutional successor toPresident Joseph ESTRADA after the Supreme Court declared thatESTRADA was unable to rule in view of the mass resignations from hisgovernment; according to the Constitution, only in cases of death,permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of thepresident, can the vice president serve for the unexpired term
Pitcairn Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealandand Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Richard FELL(since NA December 2001); Commissioner (nonresident) Leon SALT(since NA); serves as liaison between the governor and the IslandCouncilhead of government: Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council SteveCHRISTIAN (since 7 December 1999)cabinet: NAelections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner andcommissioner appointed by the monarch; island magistrate elected bypopular vote for a three-year term; election last held NA December1999 (next to be held NA December 2002)election results: Steve CHRISTIAN elected mayor; percent of vote -NA%
Polandchief of state: President Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI (since 23December 1995)head of government: Prime Minister Leszek MILLER (SLD) (since 19October 2001), Deputy Prime Ministers Marek POL (since 19 October2001), Jerzy HAUSNER (since 11 June 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister andthe Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, andthe Sejm approves the Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 8 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2005);prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the presidentand confirmed by the Sejmelection results: Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI reelected president;percent of popular vote - Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI 53.9%, AndrzejOLECHOWSKI 17.3%, Marian KRZAKLEWSKI 15.6%, Lech WALESA 1%
Portugalchief of state: President Jorge SAMPAIO (since 9 March 1996)head of government: Prime Minister Jose Manuel DURAO BARROSO (since6 April 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministernote: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultativebody to the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA January2006); following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed primeminister by the presidentelection results: Jorge SAMPAIO reelected president; percent of vote- Jorge SAMPAIO (Socialist) 55.8%, Joaquim FERREIRA Do Amaral(Social Democrat) 34.5%, Antonio ABREU (Communist) 5.1%
Puerto Ricochief 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 2 January 2001)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of thelegislatureelections: US president and vice president elected on the sameticket for four-year terms; governor elected by popular vote for afour-year term; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held2 November 2004)election results: Sila M. CALDERON (PPD) elected governor; percentof vote - 48.6%note: residents of Puerto Rico do not vote for US president and vicepresident
Qatarchief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June1995 when, as crown prince, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA binHamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Crown Prince JASIM bin Hamadbin 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 forceshead of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa Al Thani,brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996); Deputy PrimeMinister MUHAMMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch(since 20 January 1998)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditarynote: in April 2003, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-memberCentral Municipal Council (CMC), which has consultative powers aimedat improving the provision of municipal services; the first electionfor the CMC was held in March 1999
Reunionchief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17May 1995), represented by Prefect Gonthier FRIEDERICI (since NA)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: NAelections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of theFrench Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the General andRegional Councils are elected by the members of those councils
Romaniachief of state: President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 December2000)head of government: Prime Minister Adrian NASTASE (since 29 December2000)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;election last held 26 November 2000, with runoff between the top twocandidates held 10 December 2000 (next to be held NANovember/December 2004); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: percent of vote - Ion ILIESCU 66.84%, CorneliuVadim TUDOR 33.16%
Russiachief 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); Deputy Premiers Viktor Borisovich KHRISTENKO (since 31May 1999), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 18 May 2000), AlekseyVasilyevich GORDEYEV (since 20 May 2000), Boris Sergeyevich ALESHIN(since 24 April 2003), Galina Nikolayevna KARELOVA (since 24 April2003), Vladimir Anatolyevich YAKOVLEV (since 16 June 2003)cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed ofthe premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected otherindividuals; all are appointed by the presidentnote: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that providesstaff and policy support to the president, drafts presidentialdecrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; aSecurity Council also reports directly to the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;election last held 26 March 2000 (next to be held March 2004); note- no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannotexercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns,the premier succeeds him; the premier serves as acting presidentuntil a new presidential election is held, which must be withinthree months; premier appointed by the president with the approvalof the Dumaelection results: Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN elected president;percent of vote - Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN 52.9%, GennadiyAndreyevich ZYUGANOV 29.2%, Grigoriy Alekseyevich YAVLINSKIY 5.8%
Rwandachief of state: President Maj. Gen. Paul KAGAME (FPR) (since22 April 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March2000)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: last held 25 August 2003 (next to be held NA 2008)election results: Paul KAGAME elected president in first directpopular vote; Paul KAGAME (RPF) 95.05%, Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU 3.62%,Jean-Nepomuscene NAYINZIRA 1.33%
Saint Helenachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952)head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Michael CLANCY(since NA October 2003)cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, two ex officioofficers, and six elected members of the Legislative Councilelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed bythe monarch
Saint Kitts and Nevischief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor General Cuthbert MontravilleSEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)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 consultationwith the prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general isappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition isusually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputyprime minister appointed by the governor general
Saint Luciachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Governor General Dr. Perlette LOUISY (sinceSeptember 1997)head of government: Prime Minister Kenneth Davis ANTHONY (since 24May 1997) and Deputy Prime Minister Mario MICHEL (since 24 May 1997)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general isappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputyprime minister appointed by the governor general
Saint Pierre and Miquelonchief of state: President Jacques CHIRACof France (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Claude VALLEIX(since 9 October 2002)head of government: President of the General Council MarcPLANTAGENEST (since NA)cabinet: NAelections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; election last held, first round - 21 April 2002, second round- 5 May 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); prefect appointed by theFrench president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior;president of the General Council is elected by the members of thecouncil
Saint Vincent and the Grenadineschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II(since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General SirFredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29March 2001)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general isappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister bythe governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by thegovernor general on the advice of the prime minister
Samoachief of state: Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA (cochief of statefrom 1 January 1962 until becoming sole chief of state 5 April 1963)head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA(since 1996); note - TUILA'EPA served as deputy prime minister from1992 until he assumed the prime ministership in 1996, when formerPrime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana resigned in poor health;TUILA'EPA was confirmed as prime minister after TOFILAU died; thepost of deputy prime minister is currently vacantcabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members, appointed by the chief ofstate with the prime minister's adviceelections: upon the death of Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA, a newchief of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly to servea five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party is usually appointed prime minister by the chief ofstate with the approval of the Legislative Assembly
San Marinochief of state: cochiefs of state Captain Regent GiovanniLONFERNINI and Captain Regent Valeria CIAVATTA (for the period 1October 2003-31 March 2004)head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and PoliticalAffairs Fiorenzo STOLFI (since 17 December 2002)cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Councilfor a five-year termelections: cochiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Greatand General Council for a six-month term; election last held NASeptember 2003 (next to be held NA March 2004); secretary of statefor foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and GeneralCouncil for a five-year term; election last held 17 December 2002(next to be held NA June 2007)election results: Giovanni LONFERNINI and Valeria CIAVATTA electedcaptains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA%; Fiorenzo STOLFIelected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs;percent of legislative vote - 40%note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (cochiefsof state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of theGrand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), whichhas 10 other members, all selected by the Grand and General Council;assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of state; thesecretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some of theprerogatives of a prime minister
Sao Tome and Principechief of state: President Fradique DE MENEZES(since 3 September 2001)head of government: Prime Minister Maria das NEVES (since 7 October2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on theproposal of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 29 July 2001 (next to be held NA July 2006);prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by thepresidentelection results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president in SaoTome's third multiparty presidential election; percent of vote - NA%
Saudi Arabiachief 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 governmenthead of government: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz AlSaud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy PrimeMinister 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 governmentcabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch andincludes many royal family memberselections: none; the monarch is hereditary