Congo, Republic of thechief of state: President DenisSASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war inwhich he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected presidentPascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 10 March 2002 (nextto be held in 2009)election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percentof vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 89.4%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU2.7%
Cook Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); NewZealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since 6 September 2005),representative of New Zealandhead of government: Prime Minister Jim MARURAI (since 14 December2004); Deputy Prime Minister Terepai MAOATE (since 9 August 2005)cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectivelyresponsible to Parliamentelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative isappointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner isappointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition usually becomes prime minister
Coral Sea Islandsadministered from Canberra by the Department ofthe Environment, Sport, and Territories
Costa Ricachief of state: President Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (since 8May 2006); First Vice President Laura CHINCHILLA (since 8 May 2006);Second Vice President Kevin CASAS Zamora (since 8 May 2006); note -the president is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (since 8 May2006); First Vice President Laura CHINCHILLA (since 8 May 2006);Second Vice President Kevin CASAS Zamora (since 8 May 2006)cabinet: Cabinet selected by the presidentelections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held 5February 2006 (next to be held February 2010)election results: Oscar ARIAS Sanchez elected president; percent ofvote - Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (PLN) 40.9%; Otto SOLIS (PAC) 39.8%, OttoGUEVARA Guth (PML) 8%, Ricardo TOLEDO (PUSC) 3%; note - officialresults pending the resolution of election challenges
Cote d'Ivoirechief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26October 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Charles Konan BANNY (since 7December 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(no term limits); election last held 26 October 2000 (next to beheld by October 2006, after the government postponed the election);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote- Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other2.2%
Croatiachief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18February 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Ivo SANADER (since 9 December2003); Deputy Prime Ministers Jadranka KOSOR (since 23 December2003) and Damir POLANCEC (since 15 February 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister andapproved by the parliamentary Assemblyelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 16 January 2005(next to be held January 2010); the leader of the majority party orthe leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed primeminister by the president and then approved by the Assemblyelection results: Stjepan MESIC reelected president; percent of vote- Stjepan MESIC 66%, Jadranka KOSOR (HDZ) 34% in the second round
Cubachief of state: President of the Council of State and Presidentof the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister fromFebruary 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of theCouncil of State and First Vice President of the Council ofMinisters Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President of the Council of State and Presidentof the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister fromFebruary 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of theCouncil of State and First Vice President of the Council ofMinisters Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976)cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of theCouncil of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the31-member Council of State, elected by the Assembly to act on itsbehalf when it is not in sessionelections: president and vice presidents elected by the NationalAssembly for a term of five years; election last held 6 March 2003(next to be held in 2008)election results: Fidel CASTRO Ruz reelected president; percent oflegislative vote - 100%; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president;percent of legislative vote - 100%
Cypruschief of state: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriothead of government: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March2003); note - post of vice president is currently vacant; under the1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriotcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president andvice presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 16 February 2003 (next to be held February 2008)election results: Tassos PAPADOPOULOS elected president; percent ofvote - Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 51.5%, Glafkos KLIRIDIS 38.8%, AlekosMARKIDIS 6.6%note: Mehmet Ali TALAT became "president" of north Cyprus, 24 April2005, after "presidential" elections on 17 April 2005; results -Mehmet Ali TALAT 55.6%, Dervis EROGLU 22.7%; Ferdi Sabit SOYER is"prime minister"; there is a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in northCyprus, appointed by the "prime minister"
Czech Republicchief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March2003)note: the Czech Republic's first president Vaclav HAVEL stepped downfrom office on 2 February 2003 having served exactly 10 years;parliament finally elected a successor on 28 February 2003 after twoinconclusive elections in January 2003head of government: Prime Minister Mirek TOPOLANEK (since 4September 2006), Deputy Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 4 September2006)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation ofthe prime ministerelections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); last successful election held 28February 2003 (after earlier elections held 15 and 24 January 2003were inconclusive; next election to be held January 2008); primeminister appointed by the presidentelection results: Vaclav KLAUS elected president on 28 February2003; Vaclav KLAUS 142 votes, Jan SOKOL 124 votes (third round;combined votes of both chambers of parliament)
Denmarkchief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972);Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born26 May 1968)head of government: Prime Minister Anders Fogh RASMUSSEN (since 27November 2001)cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
Dhekeliachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government: Administrator Air Vice-Marshal Richard LACEY(since 26 April 2006); note - reports to the British Ministry ofDefenceelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the administrator isappointed by the monarch
Djiboutichief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May1999)head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4March 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 April 2005 (nextto be held by April 2011); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percentof vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%
Dominicachief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (sinceOctober 2003)head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8January 2004); note - assumed post after death of Prime MinisterPierre CHARLEScabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of theprime ministerelections: president elected by the House of Assembly for afive-year term; election last held 1 October 2003 (next to be heldOctober 2008); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL elected president; percent oflegislative vote - NA%
Dominican Republicchief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna(since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro(since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief ofstate and head of governmenthead of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16August 2004)cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);election last held 16 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2008)election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ elected president; percent ofvote - Leonel FERNANDEZ (PLD) 57.1%, Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez(PRD) 33.7%, Eduardo ESTRELLA (PRSC) 8.7%
East Timorchief of state: President Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since20 May 2002); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role butis able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call nationalelections; he formerly used the name Jose Alexandre GUSMAOhead of government: Prime Minister Jose RAMOS-HORTA (since 10 July2006); First Deputy Prime Minister Estanlislau Maria Alexio da SILVA(since 10 July 2006); Second Deputy Prime Minister Rui Maria doARAUJO (since 10 July 2006)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 14 April 2002 (nextto be held in May 2007)election results: Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO elected president; percentof vote - Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO 82.7%, Francisco Xavier do AMARAL17.3%
Ecuadorchief of state: President Alfredo PALACIO (since 20 April2005); Vice President Nicanor Alejandro SERRANO Aguilar (since 5 May2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment; former President Lucio GUTIERREZ was removed from officeby congress effective 20 April 2005head of government: President Alfredo PALACIO (since 20 April 2005);Vice President Nicanor Alejandro SERRANO Aguilar (since 5 May 2005)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: the president and vice president are elected on the sameticket by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serveconsecutive terms); election last held 15 October 2006 with a runoffelection scheduled for 26 November 2006 (next to be held October2010)election results: results of the 15 October 2006 election; percentof vote - Alvaro NOBOA 26.8%; Rafael CORREA 22.8%; Gilmar GUTIERREZ17.4%; Leon ROLDOS Aguilera 14.8%; Cynthia VITERI 9.6%; note - arunoff election will be held 26 November 2006 between NOBOA andCORREA
Egyptchief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14October 1981)head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed NAZIF (since 9 July 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term (noterm limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved aconstitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to amulticandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominatedby the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by anational, popular referendum; last referendum held 26 September1999; first election under terms of constitutional amendment held 7September 2005; next election scheduled for 2011election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote- Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%
El Salvadorchief of state: President Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez(since 1 June 2004); Vice President Ana Vilma DE ESCOBAR (since 1June 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and headof governmenthead of government: President Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez (since 1June 2004); Vice President Ana Vilma DE ESCOBAR (since 1 June 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 21March 2004 (next to be held March 2009)election results: Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez elected president;percent of vote - Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez (ARENA) 57.7%, SchafikHANDAL (FMLN) 35.6%, Hector SILVA (CDU-PDC) 3.9%, other 2.8%
Equatorial Guineachief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.)Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seizedpower in a military coup)head of government: Prime Minister Ricardo Mangue Obama NFUBEA(since 14 August 2006); First Deputy Prime Minister Mercelino OyonoNTUTUMU (since 15 June 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(no term limits); election last held 15 December 2002 (next to beheld December 2009); prime minister and deputy prime ministersappointed by the presidentelection results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president;percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 97.1%, CelestinoBonifacio BACALE 2.2%; elections marred by widespread fraud
Eritreachief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment and is head of the State Council and National Assemblyhead of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment and is head of the State Council and National Assemblycabinet: State Council is the collective executive authority;members appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by the National Assembly for afive-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 8June 1993 (next election date uncertain as the National Assembly didnot hold a presidential election in December 2001 as anticipated)election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent ofNational Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%
Estoniachief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9October 2006)head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,approved by Parliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not securetwo-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in theParliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plusmembers of local governments) elects the president, choosing betweenthe two candidates with the largest percentage of votes; electionlast held 23 September 2006 (next to be held fall of 2011); primeminister nominated by the president and approved by Parliamentelection results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots leftblank or invalid
Ethiopiachief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8October 2001)head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since NA August1995)cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister andapproved by the House of People's Representativeselections: president elected by the House of People'sRepresentatives for a six-year term (eligible for a second term);election last held 8 October 2001 (next to be held October 2007);prime minister designated by the party in power followinglegislative electionselection results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent ofvote by the House of People's Representatives - 100%
European Unionchief of union: President of the European CommissionJose Manuel DURAO BARROSO (since 22 November 2004)cabinet: European Commission (composed of 25 members, one from eachmember country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policyareas)elections: the president of the European Commission is designated bymember governments; the president-designate then chooses the otherCommission members; the European Parliament confirms the entireCommission for a five-year term; election last held 18 November 2004(next to be held 2009)election results: European Parliament approved the EuropeanCommission by an approval vote of 449 to 149 with 82 abstentionsnote: the European Council brings together heads of state andgovernment and the president of the European Commission and meets atleast twice a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the majorpolitical issues relating to European integration and to issuegeneral policy guidelines
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Governor Alan HUCKLE (since 25 August 2006); Chief Executive Chris SIMPKINS (since March 2003); Financial Secretary Derek F. HOWATT (since NA) cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch
Faroe Islandschief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Birgit KLEIS,chief administrative officer (since 1 November 2001)head of government: Prime Minister Joannes EIDESGAARD (since 3February 2004)cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyelected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held20 January 2004 (next to be held no later than January 2008)election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister; percentof parliamentary vote - NA
Fijichief of state: President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda(since 18 July 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10September 2000)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among themembers of Parliament and is responsible to Parliamentelections: president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for afive-year term (eligible for a second term); prime ministerappointed by the president; election last held 8 March 2006 (next tobe held in 2011)election results: Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda elected presidentby the Great Council of Chiefs; percent of vote - NA
Finlandchief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Matti VANHANEN (since 24 June2003) and Deputy Prime Minister Eero HEINALUOMA (since 24 September2005)cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by thepresident, responsible to parliamentelections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 15 January 2006(next to be held January 2012); the president appoints the primeminister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or themajority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliamentmust approve the appointmentelection results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, SauliNIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti Vanhanen (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA(VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held29 January 2006 - HOLONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%note: government coalition - Kesk, SDP, and SFP
Francechief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995)head of government: Prime Minister Dominique DE VILLEPIN (since 31May 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on thesuggestion of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(changed from seven-year term in October 2000); election last held21 April and 5 May 2002 (next to be held, first round April 2007,second round May 2007); prime minister nominated by the NationalAssembly majority and appointed by the presidentelection results: Jacques CHIRAC reelected president; percent ofvote, second ballot - Jacques CHIRAC (RPR) 81.96%, Jean-Marie LE PEN(FN) 18.04%
French Guianachief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France(since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Pierre LAFLAQUIERE(since 19 July 2006)head of government: President of the General Council Pierre DESERT(since 26 March 2004); President of the Regional Council AntoineKARAM (since 22 March 1992)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; presidents of the General and RegionalCouncils are appointed by the members of those councils
French Polynesiachief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner of theRepublic Anne BOQUET (since September 2005)head of government: President of French Polynesia Oscar TEMARU(since 3 March 2005); President of the Territorial Assembly AntonyGEROS (since 9 May 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of membersof the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve asministerselections: 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 theterritorial government and the president of the Territorial Assemblyare elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (noterm limits)
French Southern and Antarctic Landschief of state: PresidentJacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May 1995), represented by SeniorAdministrator Michel CHAMPON
Gabonchief of state: President El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba (since 2December 1967)head of government: Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe NDONG (since 20January 2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister inconsultation with the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(no term limits); election last held 27 November 2005 (next to beheld in 2012); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: President El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba reelected;percent of vote - El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba 79.2%, PierreMAMBOUNDOU 13.6%, Zacharie MYBOTO 6.6%
Gambia, Thechief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of theJunta); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note- the president is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of theJunta); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(no term limits); election last held 22 September 2006 (next to beheld in 2011)election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percentof vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%
Georgiachief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25January 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of government for the power ministries: state security(includes interior) and defensehead of government: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January2004); Prime Minister Zurab NOGHAIDELI (since 17 February 2005);note - the president is the chief of state and head of governmentfor the power ministries: state security (includes interior) anddefense; the prime minister is head of the remaining ministries ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 4 January 2004(next to be held in 2009)election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI elected president; percent ofvote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 96.3%, Temur SHASHIASHVILI 1.9%
Germanychief of state: President Horst KOEHLER (since 1 July 2004)head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed bythe president on the recommendation of the chancellorelections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for asecond term) by a Federal Convention, including all members of theFederal Assembly and an equal number of delegates elected by thestate parliaments; election last held 23 May 2004 (next to be held23 May 2009); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of theFederal Assembly for a four-year term; election last held 22November 2005 (next to be held November 2009)election results: Horst KOEHLER elected president; received 604votes of the Federal Convention against 589 for Gesine SCHWAN;Angela MERKEL elected chancellor; vote by Federal Assembly 397 to202 with 12 abstentions
Ghanachief of state: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subjectto approval by Parliamentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);election last held 7 December 2004 (next to be held December 2008)election results: John Agyekum KUFUOR reelected president inelection; percent of vote - John KUFUOR 53.4%, John Atta MILLS 43.7%
Gibraltarchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Governor Sir Robert FULTON (since 27 October2006)head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 15 electedmembers of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultationwith the chief ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed chief minister by the governor
Greecechief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March2005)head of government: Prime Minister Konstandinos (Kostas) KARAMANLIS(since 7 March 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation ofthe prime ministerelections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 February 2005(next to be held by February 2010); according to the GreekConstitution, presidents may only serve two terms; presidentappoints leader of the party securing plurality of vote in electionto become prime minister and form a governmentelection results: Karolos PAPOULIAS elected president; number ofparlimentary votes, 279 out of 300
Greenlandchief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soren MOLLER (sinceApril 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Hans ENOKSEN (since 14 December2002)cabinet: Home Rule Government is elected by the parliament(Landstinget) on the basis of the strength of partieselections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointedby the monarch; prime minister is elected by parliament (usually theleader of the majority party); election last held 3 December 2002(next to be held December 2006)election results: Hans ENOKSEN elected prime ministernote: government coalition - Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit
Grenadachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Daniel WILLIAMS (since 9 August 1996)head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June1995)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the governor general
Guadeloupechief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Jacques BROT (since 12June 2006)head of government: President of the General Council Jacques GILLOT(since 26 March 2001); President of the Regional Council VictorinLUREL (since 2 April 2004)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 councilselection results: NA
Guamchief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January2001)head of government: Governor Felix P. CAMACHO (since 6 January 2003)and Lieutenant Governor Kaleo MOYLAN (since 6 January 2003)cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governorwith the consent of the Guam legislatureelections: under the US Consitution, residents of unincorporatedterritories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US presidentand vice president; governor and lieutenant governor elected on thesame ticket by popular vote for four-year term (can serve twoconsecutive terms, then must wait a full term before running again);election last held 7 November 2006 (next to be held November 2010)election results: Felix P. CAMACHO reelected governor; Dr. MichaelW. CRUZ elected lieutenant governor; percent of vote - NA
Guatemalachief of state: President Oscar Jose Rafael BERGER Perdomo(since 14 January 2004); Vice President Eduardo STEIN Barillas(since 14 January 2004); note - the president is both the chief ofstate and head of governmenthead of government: President Oscar Jose Rafael BERGER Perdomo(since 14 January 2004); Vice President Eduardo STEIN Barillas(since 14 January 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 9 November2003; runoff held 28 December 2003 (next to be held September 2007)election results: Oscar BERGER Perdomo elected president; percent ofvote - Oscar BERGER Perdomo (GANA) 54.1%, Alvarado COLOM (UNE) 45.9%
Guernseychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28October 2005)head of government: Chief Minister Laurie MORGAN (since 1 May 2004)cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberationelections: the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointedby the monarch; chief minister is elected by States of Delibertionelection results: Laurie MORGAN elected chief minister, percent ofvote of the States of Deliberation NA
Guineachief of state: President Lansana CONTE (head of militarygovernment since 5 April 1984, elected president 19 December 1993)head of government: vacant; note - Prime Minister Cellou DaleinDIALLO was dismissed on 5 April 2006cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votescast to be elected president; election last held 21 December 2003(next to be held December 2010); the prime minister is appointed bythe presidentelection results: Lansana CONTE reelected president; percent of vote- Lansana CONTE (PUP) 95.3%, Mamadou Boye BARRY (UPR) 4.6%
Guinea-Bissauchief of state: President Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA(since 1 October 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Aristides GOMES (since 2 November2005)cabinet: NAelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(no term limits); election last held 24 July 2005 (next to be heldin 2010); prime minister appointed by the president afterconsultation with party leaders in the legislatureelection results: Joao Bernardo VIEIRA elected president; percent ofvote, second ballot - Joao Bernardo VIEIRA 52.4%, Malan Bacai SANHA47.6%
Guyanachief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of PresidentJanet JAGAN and reelected in 2001, and again in 2006head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992,except for a period as chief of state after the death of PresidentCheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,responsible to the legislatureelections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a partylist in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least everyfive years (no term limits); elections last held 28 August 2006(next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by thepresidentelection results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent ofvote 54.6%
Haitichief of state: President Rene PREVAL (since 14 May 2006)head of government: Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard ALEXIS (since 30May 2006)cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation withthe presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 7 February2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by thepresident, ratified by the National Assemblyelection results: Rene PREVAL elected president; percent of vote -Rene PREVAL 51%
Holy See (Vatican City)chief of state: Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19April 2005)head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio BERTONE(since 15 September 2006)cabinet: Pontifical Commission appointed by the popeelections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;election last held 19 April 2005 (next to be held after the death ofthe current pope); secretary of state appointed by the popeelection results: Joseph RATZINGER elected Pope BENEDICT XVI
Honduraschief of state: President Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (since 27January 2006); First Vice President Elvin Ernesto SANTOS Ordonez(since 27 January 2006); Second Vice President (vacant); Third VicePresident (vacant); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: President Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (since 27January 2006); First Vice President Elvin Ernesto SANTOS Ordonez(since 27 January 2006); Second Vice President (vacant); Third VicePresident (vacant)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;election last held 27 November 2005 (next to be held November 2009)election results: Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (PL) elected president -49.8%, Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa (PN) 46.1%, other 4.1%
Hong Kongchief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15March 2003)head of government: Chief Executive Donald TSANG (since 24 June 2005)cabinet: Executive Council consists of 14 official members and 15non-official memberselections: previous chief executive TUNG Chee-hwa was elected tosecond five-year term in March 2002 by 800-member election committeedominated by pro-Beijing forces, resignation accepted 12 March 2005;Donald TSANG acted as chief executive between 12 March 2005 and 25May 2005; Henry TANG acted as chief executive between 25 May 2005and 24 June 2005; TSANG was elected on 16 June 2005 to fill finaltwo years of TUNG's term (next election to be held in March 2007)
Hungarychief of state: Laszlo SOLYOM (since 5 August 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Ferenc GYURCSANY (since 29September 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly onthe recommendation of the presidentelections: president elected by the National Assembly for afive-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 6-7June 2005 (next to be held by June 2010); prime minister elected bythe National Assembly on the recommendation of the president;election last held 29 September 2004election results: Laszlo SOLYOM elected president by a simplemajority in the third round of voting, 185 to 182; Ferenc GYURCSANYelected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 197 to 12note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds oflegislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in thethird round
Icelandchief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1August 1996)head of government: Prime Minister Geir H. HAARDE (since 7 June 2006)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime ministerelections: president, largely a ceremonial post, is elected bypopular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election lastheld 26 June 2004 (next to be held June 2008); following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition is usually the prime ministerelection results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%
Iles Eparseschief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France(since 17 May 1995), represented by Senior Administrator MichelCHAMPON
Indiachief of state: President A.P.J. Abdul KALAM (since 25 July2002); Vice President Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT (since 19 August 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since 22 May 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation ofthe prime ministerelections: president elected by an electoral college consisting ofelected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures ofthe states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last heldJuly 2002 (next to be held 18 July 2007); vice president elected byboth houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held12 August 2002 (next to be held August 2007); prime minister chosenby parliamentary members of the majority party following legislativeelections; election last held April - May 2004 (next to be held May2009)election results: Abdul KALAM elected president; percent ofelectoral college vote - 89.6%; Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT elected vicepresident; percent of Parliament vote - 59.8%
Indonesiachief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since20 October 2004) and Vice President Muhammad Yusuf KALLA (since 20October 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20October 2004) and Vice President Muhammad Yusuf KALLA (since 20October 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president were elected for five-yearterms (eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry;last held 20 September 2004 (next to be held in 2009)election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected presidentreceiving 60.6% of vote; MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri received 39.4%
Iranchief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4June 1989)head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August2005); First Vice President Parviz DAVUDI (since 11 September 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president withlegislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control overappointments to the more sensitive ministriesnote: also considered part of the Executive branch of government arethree oversight bodies: 1) Assembly of Experts, a popularly electedbody of 86 religious scholars constitutionally charged withdetermining the succession of the Supreme Leader, reviewing hisperformance, and deposing him if deemed necessary; 2) ExpediencyCouncil or Council for the Discernment of Expediency is a policyadvisory and implementation board consisting of permanent andtemporary members representing all major government factions, someof whom are appointed by the Supreme Leader; the Council exertssupervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and legislativebranches and resolves legislative issues on which the Majles and theCouncil of Guardians disagree; 3) Council of Guardians or Council ofGuardians of the Constitution is a 12-member board of clerics andjurists serving six-year terms that determines whether proposedlegislation is both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law; theCouncil also vets candidates for suitability and supervises nationalelectionselections: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly ofExperts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 17 June 2005 with atwo-candidate runoff on 24 June 2005 (next to be held in 2009)election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD elected president; percent ofvote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62%, Ali Akbar Hashemi RAFSANJANI 36%
Iraqchief of state: President Jalal TALABANI (since 6 April 2005);Vice Presidents Adil ABD AL-MAHDI and Tariq al-HASHIMI (since 22April 2006); note - the president and vice presidents comprise thePresidency Council)head of government: Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI (since 20 May2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Barham SALIH and Salam al-ZUBAI (since20 May 2006)cabinet: 37 ministers appointed by the Presidency Council, plusPrime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI, and Deputy Prime Ministers BarhamSALIH and Salam al-ZUBAIelections: held 15 December 2005 to elect a 275-member Council ofRepresentatives
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(eligible for a second term); election last held 31 October 1997(next scheduled for October 2011); note - Mary MCALEESE appointed toa second term when no other candidate qualified for the 2004presidential election; prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by theHouse of Representatives and appointed 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
Isle of Manchief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul K.HADDACKS (since 17 October 2005)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 heldDecember 2006)election results: Donald GELLING elected chief minister by theTynwald; note - Richard CORKILL resigned 2 December 2004
Israelchief of state: President Moshe KATZAV (since 31 July 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Ehud OLMERT (since May 2006);Deputy Prime Minister Tzipora "Tzipi" LIVNI (since May 2006)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 (no term limits); election lastheld 31 July 2000 (next to be held mid-2007); following legislativeelections, the president assigns a Knesset member - traditionallythe leader of the largest party - the task of forming a governingcoalitionelection 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 SHARONcontinued 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; controversy surrounding SHARON's disengagement planultimately led to the formation of a Likud-Labor-United TorahJudaism (UTJ) coalition government in January 2005
Italychief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May2006)head of government: Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as thepresident of the Council of Ministers) Romano PRODI (since 17 May2006)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 (no term limits); election last held 10 May 2006(next to be held May 2013); prime minister appointed by thepresident and confirmed by parliamentelection results: Giorgio NAPOLITANO elected president on the fourthround of voting; electoral college vote - 543
Jamaicachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Kenneth O. HALL (since 15 February2006)head of government: Prime Minister Portia SIMPSON-MILLER (since 30March 2006)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 Shinzo ABE (since 26 September2006)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 hereditaryelection results: ABE was elected prime minister with 339 of 476votes cast in the House of Representatives and 136 of 240 votes castin the House of Councilors.
Jerseychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government: Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14June 2006); Bailiff Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since 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), eldest son of King ABDALLAH, is first inline to inherit the thronehead of government: Prime Minister Marouf al-BAKHIT (since 24November 2005); Deputy Prime Minister Ziad FARIZ (since 24 November2005)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); Deputy Prime Minister Karim MASIMOV (since 19 January 2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(no term limits); election last held 4 December 2005 (next to beheld in 2012); prime minister and first deputy prime ministerappointed by the presidentelection results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A.TUYAKBAI 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAIMENOV 1.6%note: President NAZARBAYEV arranged a referendum in 1995 thatextended his term of office and expanded his presidential powers:only he can initiate constitutional amendments, appoint and dismissthe government, dissolve Parliament, call referenda at hisdiscretion, and appoint administrative heads of regions and cities
Kenyachief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December2002); Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note -the president is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002);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(eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving the largestnumber of votes in absolute terms, the presidential candidate mustalso win 25% or more of the vote in at least five of Kenya's sevenprovinces and one area to avoid a runoff; election last held 27December 2002 (next to be held December 2007); vice presidentappointed 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 ONORIOcabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among themembers of the House of Parliamentelections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidentialcandidates from among its members and then those candidates competein a general election; president is elected by popular vote for afour-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held 4July 2003 (next to be held not later than July 2007); vice presidentappointed by the presidentelection 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: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People'sArmed Forces, are appointed by SPAelections: last held in September 2003 (next to be held in September2008)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 HAN Myeong-sook (since 20 April2006); Deputy Prime Ministers KIM Woo-sik (since 10 February 2006);KWON O-kyu (since 18 July 2006); KIM Shin-il (since 20 September2006)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 inDecember 2007); prime minister appointed by president with consentof National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by presidenton prime minister's recommendationelection results: ROH Moo-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 SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Sabahhead of government: Prime Minister NASIR al-Muhammad al-Ahmadal-Sabah (since 7 February 2006) First Deputy Prime Minister JABIRMubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy PrimeMinisters MUHAMMAD al-Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February2006) and Ismail al-SHATTI (since 10 July 2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister andapproved by the amirelections: none; the amir is hereditary; prime minister and deputyprime ministers appointed by the amir
Kyrgyzstanchief of state: President Kurmanbek BAKIYEV (since 14August 2005); note - former President Askar AKAYEV resignedeffective 11 April 2005 following widespread protests that forcedhim to flee the country on 24 March 2005head of government: Prime Minister Feliks KULOV (since 1 September2005); First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar USENOV (since 10 May 2006)cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime minister; note - the new constitution ofNovember 2006 calls for the legislature to appoint the primeminister and members of the Cabinet after the elections of 2010elections: Kurmanbek BAKIYEV elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm (eligible for a second term); election last held 10 July 2005(next scheduled for 2010); prime minister nominated by the presidentfor approval by Parliament; note - the new constitution of November2006 calls for the legislature to appoint the prime minister andmembers of the Cabinet after the elections of 2010election results: Kurmanbek BAKIYEV elected president; percent ofvote - Kurmanbek BAKIYEV 88.6%, Tursunbai BAKIR-UULU 3.9%, othercandidates 7.5%; Feliks KULOV approved as prime minister 55-8
Laoschief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8June 2006) and Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)head of government: Prime Minister BOUASONE Bouphavanh (since 8 June2006); Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since May 2002),Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit [since 8 June2006], Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26 February1998), and Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since 27 March2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approvedby the National Assemblyelections: president and vice president elected by the NationalAssembly for five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006 (nextto be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president andelected by the National Assembly for a five-year termelection results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANGVolachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote -100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent ofNational Assembly vote - 97%
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(no term limits); election last held 20 June 2003 (next to be heldby 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 Fuad SINIORA (since 30 June2005); Deputy Prime Minister Elias MURR (since April 2005)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 (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 15October 1998 (next to be held in 2007 based on three-yearextension); note - on 3 September 2004 the National Assembly voted96 to 29 to extend Emile LAHUD's six-year term by three years; theprime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the presidentin consultation with the National Assembly; by agreement, thepresident is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a SunniMuslim, and the speaker of the legislature is a Shi'a 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 todepose the monarch, determine who is next in the line of succession,or who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is notof mature age
Liberiachief of state: President Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF (since 16January 2006); note - the President is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF (since 6 January2006); 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(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 November 2005(next to be held NA 2011)election results: Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF elected president; percentof vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF (UP) 59.6%, GeorgeWEAH (CDC) 40.4%note: 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; free elections were held11 October 2005, with a runoff election between the two leadingcandidates on 8 November 2005
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) al-Baghdadi Ali al-MAHMUDI (since 5 March 2006)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 Ottmar 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 Landtag isusually appointed the head of government by the monarch and theleader of the largest minority party in the Landtag is usuallyappointed the deputy head of government by the monarch
Lithuaniachief of state: President Valdas ADAMKUS (since 12 July2004)head of government: Prime Minister Gediminas KIRKILAS (since 4 July2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on thenomination of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 13 and 27 June 2004(next to be held June 2009); prime minister appointed by thepresident on the approval of the Parliamentelection results: Valdas ADAMKUS elected president; percent of vote- Valdas ADAMKUS 52.2%, Kazimiera PRUNSKIENE 47.8%; GediminasKIRKILAS approved by Parliament 85-13, with 5 abstentions
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 one government secretary,three legislators, four businessmen, one pro-Beijing unionist, andone pro-Beijing educatorelections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member Election Committeefor a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election lastheld 29 August 2004 (next to be held in 2009)election results: Edmund HO Hau-wah reelected received 296 votes;three members submitted blank ballots; one member was absent
Macedoniachief of state: President Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 12 May2004)head of government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 28 August2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of allthe deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by thegovernment coalition parties VMRO/DPMNE, NSDP, PDSH/DPA, and severalsmall partieselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); two-round election last held 14 Apriland 28 April 2004 (next to be held by April 2009); prime ministerelected by the Assembly following legislative electionselection results: Branko CRVENKOVSKI elected president onsecond-round ballot; percent of vote - Branko CRVENKOVSKI 62.7%,Sasko KEDEV 37.3%
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(eligible for a second term); election last held 16 December 2001(next to be held December 2006); prime minister appointed by thepresidentelection results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA (TIM) 50.5%,Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 37.7%
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(eligible for a second term); election last held 20 May 2004 (nextto be held 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 Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin(since 13 December 2006)head of government: Prime Minister ABDULLAH bin Ahmad Badawi (since31 October 2003); Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin AbdulRazak (since 7 January 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 3November 2006 (next to be held in 2011); 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: Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin elected paramount ruler