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%
Iraq
chief of state: Interim Iraqi Government (IG) President Ghazi al-Ujayl al-YAWR (since 1 June 2004); Deputy Presidents Ibrahim al-JAFARI and Rowsch SHAWAYS (since 1 June 2004); note - the President and Deputy Presidents comprise the Presidency Council head of government: Interim Iraqi Government (IG) Prime Minister Ayad ALLAWI (since 28 June 2004) cabinet: 31 ministers appointed by the Presidency Council, plus a Deputy Prime Minister, Barham SALIH elections: scheduled to be held January 2005
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 scheduled for 22 October2004); note - Mary MCALEESE appointed to a second term when no othercandidate qualified for the 2004 presidential election; primeminister nominated by the House of Representatives and appointed bythe 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 KATZAV (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 is largely a ceremonial role and is elected bythe Knesset for a seven-year term; election last held 31 July 2000(next to be held mid-2007); following legislative elections, thepresident assigns a Knesset member - traditionally the leader of thelargest party - the task of forming a governing coalition; electionlast held 28 January 2003 (next schedulde to be held fall of 2006)election results: Moshe KATZAV 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 four-party government coalition includes Forza Italia,National Alliance, Northern League, and Union of Christian Democratsand Democrats of the Center
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: Diet designates prime minister; constitution requiresthat prime minister commands parliamentary majority; followinglegislative elections, leader of majority party or leader ofmajority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes primeminister; monarch is hereditary
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);Prince HUSSEIN (born 1994), son of King ABDALLAH, is first in lineto inherit the thronehead 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); First Deputy Prime Minister Akhmetzhan YESIMOV (since 14 May2004)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 arranged a referendum in 1995 thatexpanded his presidential powers: only he can initiateconstitutional amendments, appoint and dismiss the government,dissolve Parliament, call referenda at his discretion, and appointadministrative 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 Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chiefof state and head of governmenthead of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); VicePresident Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief ofstate and head 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 Jong Il (since July 1994); note -on 3 September 2003, rubberstamp Supreme People's Assembly (SPA)reelected KIM Jong Il Chairman of the National Defense Commission, aposition accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPAreelected KIM Yong Nam President of its Presidium also withresponsibility of representing state and receiving diplomaticcredentials; SPA appointed PAK Pong Ju Premierhead of government: Premier PAK Pong Ju (since 3 September 2003);Vice Premiers KWAK Pom Gi (since 5 September 1998), JON Sung Hun(since 3 September 2003), RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)cabinet: Cabinet (Naegak), members, except for the Minister ofPeople's Armed Forces, are appointed by the SPAelections: election last held in September 2003 (next to be held inSeptember 2008)election results: KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nomineesfor positions and ran unopposed
Korea, Southchief of state: President ROH Moo-hyun (since 25February 2003)head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hae-chan (since 25 May 2004);Deputy Prime Ministers KIM Jin-pyo (since 28 January 2005), LEEHun-jai (since 10 February 2004), and OH Myung (since 18 October2004)cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the primeminister's recommendationelections: president elected by popular vote for single five-yearterm; election last held 19 December 2002 (next to be held inDecember 2007); prime minister appointed by president with consentof National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by presidenton prime minister's recommendationelection results: results of the 19 December 2002 election - ROHMoo-hyun elected president; percent of vote - ROH Moo-hyun (MDP)48.9%; LEE Hoi-chang (GNP) 46.6%; other 4.5%
Kuwaitchief of state: Amir JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since31 December 1977); Crown Prince SAAD al-Abdullah al-Salim Al Sabahhead of government: Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah(since 13 July 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister ofthe Interior NAWWAF al-Ahmad Al Sabah (since 2003); Deputy PrimeMinisters JABIR MUBARAK al-Hamad Al Sabah (since 2001) and MuhammadDayfallah 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 2002; First Deputy Prime Minister Kubanychbek JUMALIYEV(since 19 March 2004)cabinet: 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 30 October 2005);prime minister appointed by the president; note - President AKAYEVhas publicly stated that he will not seek reelection when hiscurrent term expires in 2005election 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 Siphadon (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 Bouasone BOUPHAVANH (since3 October 2003) Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (sinceMay 2002), Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since 27 March2001), and Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26February 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 heldin 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 Aigars KALVITIS (since 2 December2004)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 Omar KARAMI (since 21 October2004); Deputy Prime Minister Issam FARES (since 23 October 2000)cabinet: 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 election date NA);note - on 3 September 2004 the National Assembly voted 96 to 29 toextend Emile LAHUD's six-year term by three years; the primeminister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president inconsultation with the National Assembly; by agreement, the presidentis a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, andthe speaker of the legislature is a Shia Muslimelection results: For 15 October 1998 election: Emile LAHUD electedpresident; National Assembly vote - 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: Chairman Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October2003); note - this is an interim position until presidentialelections in 2005; the chairman is both the chief of state and headof governmenthead of government: Chairman Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October 2003);note - this is an interim position until presidential elections in2005; the chairman is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by theSenate; note - current cabinet positions are divided among groupsparticipating in the Liberian peace processelections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term(renewable); election last held 19 July 1997 (next to be held NAOctober 2005)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 warring factions and theLiberian government resulted in the August 2003 resignation offormer president Charles TAYLOR; a jointly agreed upon replacement,Chairman Gyude BRYANT, assumed office as head 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(Prime Minister) Shukri Muhammad GHANIM (since 14 June 2003)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: 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) note - on 15 August2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling princeto ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of statehead 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 Valdas ADAMKUS (since 12 July2004)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 13 June 2004 and 27 June 2004; premier appointedby the president on the approval of the Parliamentelection results: Valdas ADAMKUS elected president; percent of vote- Valdas ADAMKUS 52.2%, Kazimiera PRUNSKIENE 47.8%
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 Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July2004)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 LSAP
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 one government secretary,four legislators, four businessmen, and one pro-Beijing unionistelections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member selectioncommittee for up to two five-year termselection results: Edmund HO Hau-wah reelected on 29 August 2004;received 296 votes in Election Committee out of 300 possible; 3members submitted blank ballots; 1 member was absent
Macedoniachief of state: President Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 12 May2004)head of government: Prime Minister Vlado BUCKOVSKI (since 17December 2004)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 BDIelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;two-round election last held 14 April and 28 April 2004 (next to beheld April 2009); prime minister elected by the Assembly; electionlast held 1 November 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)election results: Branko CRVENKOVSKI elected president onsecond-round ballot; percent of vote - Branko CRVENKOVSKI 62.7%,Sasko KEDEV 37.3%; Vlado BUCKOVSKI elected prime minister by theAssembly
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 presidentelection results: percent of vote - Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 37.7%,Marc RAVALOMANANA (TIM) 50.5%
Malawichief of state: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May2004); 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 20 May 2004 (next to be held NA May 2009)election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent ofvote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (UDF) 35.9%, John TEMBO (MCP) 27.1%,Gwandaguluwe CHAKUAMBA (MC) 25.7%, Brown MPINGANJIRA (NDA) 8.7%,Justin MALEWEZI (independent) 2.5%
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 NAJIB Tun Razak (since 7January 2004)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 presidentelections: 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 17 October 2003 (next to be held NA 2008)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 Ousmane Issoufi MAIGA (since 30April 2004)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 Eddie FENECH ADAMI (since 4 April2004)head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March2004)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 29 March 2004 (next to be held byApril 2009); 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: Eddie FENECH ADAMI elected president; percent ofHouse of Representatives vote - 33 out of 65 votes
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 Donald GELLING (since 14 December2004)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 14 December 2004 (next to be heldNA December 2010)election results: Donald GELLING elected chief minister by theTynwald; note - Richard CORKILL resigned 2 December 2004
Marshall Islandschief of state: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 5January 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 5 January2004); 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 17 November 2003(next to be held NA November 2007)election results: Kessai Hesa NOTE elected president; percent ofParliament vote - 100%
Martiniquechief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since17 May 1995); Prefect Yves DASSONVILLE (since 14 January 2004); note- took office 8 February 2004head 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 Abdool Raouf BUNDHUN (since 25February 2002)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 stepped down on 30 September 2003
Mayottechief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Paul KIHL (since 17 January2005)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 2 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 (11 May2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Joseph J. URUSEMAL (since 11 May2003); Vice President Redley KILLION (11 May 2003); note - thepresident is both the 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 29 January2002)cabinet: selected by president, subject to approval of Parliamentelections: 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 choose 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 CRISTEA 3;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 Tsakhiagiyn ELBEGDORJ (since 20August 2004); Deputy Prime Minister Chultem ULAAN (since 28September 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the State Great Hural (parliament) inconsultation with the presidentelections: presidential candidates nominated by political partiesrepresented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for afour-year term; presidential tenure limited to two four-year terms;election last held 20 May 2001 (next to be held in May 2005);following legislative elections, leader of majority party ormajority coalition is usually elected prime minister by State GreatHural; election last held 27 June 2004 (next to be held in June 2008)election results: Natsagiyn BAGABANDI reelected president in 2001;percent of vote - Natsagiyn BAGABANDI (MPRP) 58.13%,Radnaasumbereliyn GONCHIGDORJ (DP) 36.58%, Luvsandamba DASHNYAM(CWP) 3.54%, other 1.75%; Tsakkhiagiyn ELBEGDORJ elected primeminister by the State Great Hural 74 to 0
Montserratchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Governor Deborah Barnes JONES (since 10 May2004)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 30 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 Armando GUEBUZA (since 2February 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Luisa DIOGO (since 17 February2004)cabinet: Cabinetelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 1-2 December 2004 (next to be held December2009); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Armando GUEBUZA elected president; percent of vote- Armando GUEBUZA 63.7%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 31.7%
Namibiachief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (sinceNovember 2004)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 15 November 2004 (next to be held November 2009)election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA elected president; percent ofvote - NA%
Nauruchief of state: President Ludwig SCOTTY (since 26 October2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Ludwig SCOTTY (since 26 October 2004);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the membersof Parliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term;election last held 23 October 2004 (next to be held NA 2007)election results: Ludwig SCOTTY was unopposed in the parliamentaryelections for 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 Sher Bahadur DEUBA (since 3 June2004); note - Prime Minister THAPA resigned 7 May 2004cabinet: 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 cabineton 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 Etienne YS (since 3 June 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (legislature)elections: 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 - PAR, PNP, PLKP, DP St. Maarten, UPBonaire, WIPM Saba, DP Statia
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 Marie-NoelleTHEMEREAU (since 10 June 2004)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 29 June 2004 when Marie-Noelle THEMEREAU waselected on the third vote with 8 votes for and 3 abstentions
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 (PCN)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;second round last held 4 December 2004 (next to be held December2009); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: TANDJA Mamadou reelected president; percent ofvote - TANDJA Mamadou 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%
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 GrantTAMBLING (since 1 November 2003)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. BENAVENTE (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; on12 May 2000, Pakistan's Supreme Court unanimously validated theOctober 1999 coup and granted MUSHARRAF executive and legislativeauthority for three years from the coup date; on 20 June 2001,MUSHARRAF named himself as president and was sworn in, replacingMohammad Rafiq TARAR; in a referendum held on 30 April 2002,MUSHARRAF's presidency was extended by five more years; on 1 January2004, MUSHARRAF won a vote of confidence in the Senate, NationalAssembly, and four provincial assemblieschief of state: President General Pervez MUSHARRAF (since 20 June2001)head of government: Prime Minister Shaukat AZIZ (since 28 August2004)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 afive-year term (next to be held NA 2007)election results: AZIZ elected by the National Assembly on 27 August2004 with 191 of the votes
Palauchief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since19 January 2001) and Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19January 2001) and Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January 2005);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinetelections: president and vice president elected on separate ticketsby popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 2 November2004 (next to be held November 2008)election results: Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. reelected president;percent of vote - Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. 64%, Polycarp BASILIUS33%; Elias Camsek CHIN elected vice president; percent of vote -Elias Camsek CHIN 70%, Sandra PIERANTOZZI 29%
Panamachief of state: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1September 2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1September 2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since1 September 2004); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1September 2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1September 2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since1 September 2004); note - the president is both the chief of stateand 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 2004(next to be held 3 May 2009); note - beginning in 2009, Panama willhave only one vice president.election results: Martin TORRIJOS Espino elected president; percentof vote - Martin TORRIJOS Espino 47.5%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany30.6%, Jose Miguel ALEMAN 17%, Ricardo MARTINELLI 4.9%note: government coalition - PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party),PP (Popular Party)
Papua New Guineachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by governor general Sir Paulius MATANE(since 29 June 2004)head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2August 2002); deputy prime minister (vacant)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 Joria (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 Joria (since 15 August 2003);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: 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 (vacant) and Second VicePresident David WAISMAN (since 28 July 2001)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 (vacant) and Second VicePresident David WAISMAN (since 28 July 2001)note: Prime Minister Carlos FERRERO Costa (since 15 December 2003)does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of thepresidentcabinet: 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); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of theCommission of Appointmentselections: president and vice president (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO)elected on separate tickets by popular vote for six-year terms;election last held 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2010)election results: results of the election - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYOelected president; percent of vote - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 40%,Fernando POE 37%, three others 23%
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) Leslie JACQUES(since November 2003); serves as liaison between the governor andthe Island Councilhead of government: mayor and chairman of the Island Council JayWARREN (since 15 December 2004)cabinet: NAelections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner andcommissioner appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected bypopular vote for a three-year term; election last held December 2004(next to be held December 2007)election results: Jay WARREN elected mayor and chairman of theIsland Council
Polandchief of state: President Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI (since 23December 1995)head of government: Prime Minister Marek BELKA (since 24 June 2004);Deputy Prime Minister 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 Pedro SANTANA LOPES (since 17July 2004); note - Prime Minister Jose Manuel DURAO BARROSO resigned5 July 2004 to take over the Presidency of the European Commission;Prime Minister Pedro SANTANA LOPES and his government resigned 11December 2004, but will stay on in a caretaker capacity untilFebruary 2005 electionscabinet: 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)head of government: Governor Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA (since 2 January2005)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 2 November 2004 (next to be heldNovember 2008)election results: Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA (PPD) elected governor;percent of vote - 48.4%
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 TAMIM bin Hamadbin Khalifa Al Thani, third son of the monarch (selected HeirApparent by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD alsoholds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-chief ofthe Armed Forceshead of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa Al Thani,brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996) Deputy Prime MinisterMUHAMMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch (since 20January 1998); First Deputy Prime Minister HAMAD bin JASIM bin JABIRAl Thani (since 16 September 2003; also Foreign Minister since1992); Second Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-ATTIYAH(since 16 September 2003; also Energy Minister since NA 1992)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 Dominique VIAN (since 16 August2004)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 Traian BASESCU (since 20 December2004)head of government: Prime Minister Calin Popescu TARICEANU (since 29December 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 28 November 2004, with runoff between the top twocandidates held 12 December 2004 (next to be held 28 November 2009and 12 December 2009); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 51.23%, AdrianNASTASE 48.77%
Russiachief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN(acting president since 31 December 1999, president since 7 May 2000)head of government: Premier Mikhail Yefimovich FRADKOV (since 5March 2004); Deputy Premier Aleksandr Dmitriyevich ZHUKOV (since 9March 2004)cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed ofthe premier and his deputy, 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 14 March 2004 (next to be held NA March 2008);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 reelected president;percent of vote - Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN 71.2%, NikolayKHARITONOV 13.7%, other (no candidate above 5%) 15.1%
Rwandachief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 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 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 David HOLLAMBY(since 1999); Michael CLANCY (taking office in October 2004)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 Dame Pearlette 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 Albert DUPUY(since 10 January 2005)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 (November 1998) afterTOFILAU died; the post 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 GiuseppeARZILLI and Captain Regent Roberto RASCHI (for the period 1 October2004-31 March 2005)head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and PoliticalAffairs Fabio BERARDI (15 December 2003)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 2004 (next to be held March 2005); secretary of state forforeign and political affairs elected by the Great and GeneralCouncil for a five-year term; election last held 13 December 2003(next to be held June 2006 when general elections are scheduled)election results: Giuseppe ARZILLI and Roberto RASCHI electedcaptains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA%; Fabio BERARDIelected 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 (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 Damiao Vaz DE ALMEIDA (since 17September 2004)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%