Arubachief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30April 1980); represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since11 May 2004)head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30October 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Statenelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed fora six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy primeminister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election lastheld in 2005 (next to be held by 2009)election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percentof legislative vote - NA
Australiachief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952); represented by Governor General Quentin BRYCE (since5 September 2008)head of government: Prime Minister Kevin RUDD (since 3 December2007); Deputy Prime Minister Julia GILLARD (since 3 December 2007)cabinet: prime minister nominates, from among members of Parliament,candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the governor general toserve as government ministerselections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; followinglegislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader ofa majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governorgeneral
Austriachief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) (since 8 July2004)head of government: Chancellor Werner FAYMANN (SPOe) (since 2December 2008); Vice Chancellor Josef PROELL (OeVP) (since 2December 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the adviceof the chancellorelections: president elected by direct popular vote for a six-yearterm (eligible for a second term); presidential election last held25 April 2004 (next to be held in April 2010); chancellor formallychosen by the president but determined by the coalition partiesforming a parliamentary majority; vice chancellor chosen by thepresident on the advice of the chancellorelection results: Heinz FISCHER elected president; percent of vote -Heinz FISCHER 52.4%, Benita FERRERO-WALDNER 47.6%note: government coalition - SPOe and OeVP
Azerbaijanchief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October2003)head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub EYYUBOV (since June 2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president andconfirmed by the National Assemblyelections: president elected by popular vote to a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 15 October 2008(next to be held in October 2013); prime minister and first deputyprime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by theNational Assemblyelection results: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote- Ilham ALIYEV 88.7%, Igbal AGHAZADE 2.9%, five other candidateswith smaller percentagesnote: several political parties boycotted the election due to unfairconditions; OSCE observers concluded that the election did not meetinternational standards
Bahamas, Thechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); represented by Governor General Arthur D. HANNA (since 1February 2006)head of government: Prime Minister Hubert A. INGRAHAM (since 4 May2007)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the primeminister's recommendationelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime ministerrecommends the deputy prime minister
Bahrainchief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of themonarch, born 21 October 1969)head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa(since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salmanal-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, Jawad al-ARAIDHcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarchelections: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed bythe monarch
Bangladeshchief of state: President Iajuddin AHMED (since 6September 2002)note: the country has a caretaker government until a generalelection is held; Iajuddin AHMED remains as President and Ministerof Defense, and all other Cabinet portfolios are held by CaretakerAdvisers (CAs); the Chief CA, Fakhruddin AHMED, is roughlyequivalent to a prime ministerelections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-yearterm (eligible for a second term); election scheduled for 16September 2002 was not held since Iajuddin AHMED was the onlypresidential candidate; he was sworn in on 6 September 2002 (nextelection NA); following legislative elections, the leader of theparty that wins the most seats is usually appointed prime ministerby the presidentelection results: Iajuddin AHMED declared president-elect by theElection Commission; he ran unopposed as president; percent ofNational Parliament vote - NA
Barbadoschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS(since 1 June 1996)head of government: Prime Minister David THOMPSON (since 16 January2008)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime ministerrecommends the deputy prime minister
Belaruschief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20July 1994)head of government: Prime Minister Sergey SIDORSKIY (since 19December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (sinceDecember 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;first election took place 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999,however, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via aNovember 1996 referendum; subsequent election held 9 September 2001;an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits andallowed the president to run in a third election, which was held on19 March 2006; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointedby the presidentelection results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percentof vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 82.6%, Aleksandr MILINKEVICH 6%,Aleksandr KOZULIN 2.3%; note - election marred by electoral fraud
Belgiumchief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); HeirApparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarchhead of government: Prime Minister Yves LETERME (20 March 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarchelections: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; followinglegislative elections, the leader of the majority party or theleader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime ministerby the monarch and then approved by parliament
Belizechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17November 1993)head of government: Prime Minister Dean BARROW (since 8 February2008); Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar VEGA (since 12 February 2008)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed prime minister by the governor general; prime ministerrecommends the deputy prime minister
Beninchief of state: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); runoff election held 19 March 2006(next to be held in March 2011)election results: Thomas YAYI Boni elected president; percent ofvote - Thomas YAYI Boni 74.5%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI 25.5%
Bermudachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007)head of government: Premier Ewart BROWN (since 30 October 2006);Deputy Premier Paula COXcabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governorelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by themonarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointedpremier by the governor
Bhutanchief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated thethrone on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded himhead of government: Prime Minister Jigme THINLEY (since 9 April 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by themonarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council(Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarchelections: the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms in July1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the monarchwith two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly occurredin March 2008; the leader of the majority party is nominated as theprime minister
Boliviachief of state: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January2006)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 18December 2005 (next to be held in 2010)election results: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma elected president; percentof vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma 53.7%; Jorge Fernando QUIROGARamirez 28.6%; Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana 7.8%; Michiaki NAGATANIMorishit 6.5%; Felipe QUISPE Huanca 2.2%; Guildo ANGULA Cabrera 0.7%
Bosnia and Herzegovinachief of state: Chairman of the PresidencyNebojsa RADMANOVIC (chairman since 6 November 2008; presidencymember since 1 October 2006 - Serb); other members of thethree-member presidency rotating (every eight months): HarisSILAJDZIC (presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Bosniak); andZeljko KOMSIC (presidency member since 1 October 2006 - Croat)head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers NikolaSPIRIC (since 11 January 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman;approved by the National House of Representativeselections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, oneCroat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term(eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years);the chairmanship rotates every eight months and resumes where itleft off following each national election; election last held 1October 2006 (next to be held in 2010); the chairman of the Councilof Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by theNational House of Representativeselection results: percent of vote - Nebojsa RADMANOVIC with 53.3% ofthe votes for the Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC received 39.6% of thevotes for the Croat seat; Haris SILAJDZIC received 62.8% of thevotes for the Bosniak seatnote: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: BorjanaKRISTO (since 21 February 2007); Vice Presidents Spomenka MICIC(since NA 2007) and Mirsad KEBO (since NA 2007); President of theRepublika Srpska: Rajko KUSMANOVIC (since 28 December 2007)
Botswanachief of state: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1April 2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April2008); Vice President Mompati MERAFHE (since 1 April 2008)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 20 October 2004(next to be held in October 2009); vice president appointed by thepresidentelection results: Festus G. MOGAE elected president; percent ofNational Assembly vote - 52%
Brazilchief of state: President Luiz Inacio "LULA" DA SILVA (since1 January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Luiz Inacio "LULA" DA SILVA (since 1January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held 1October 2006 with runoff 29 October 2006 (next to be held 3 October2010 and, if necessary, 31 October 2010)election results: Luiz Inacio "LULA" DA SILVA (PT) reelectedpresident - 60.83%, Geraldo ALCKMIN (PSDB) 39.17%
British Indian Ocean Territorychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II(since 6 February 1952)head of government: Commissioner Colin ROBERTS (since July 2008);Administrator Joanne YEADON (since December 2007); note - bothreside in the UK and are represented by the officer commandingBritish Forces on Diego Garciacabinet: NAelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; commissioner andadministrator appointed by the monarch
British Virgin Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952); represented by Governor David PEAREY (since 18 April2006)head of government: Premier Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 23 August 2007)cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members ofthe House of Assemblyelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by themonarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointedpremier by the governor
Bruneichief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANALBolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chiefof state and head of governmenthead of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah(since 5 October 1967)cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over bythe monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also aReligious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises onreligious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by themonarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council ofSuccession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines thesuccession to the throne if the need ariseselections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Bulgariachief of state: President Georgi PARVANOV (since 22 January2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Sergei STANISHEV (since 16 August2005); Deputy Prime Ministers Ivaylo KALFIN, Daniel VULCHEV, andEmel ETEM (since 16 August 2005) and Meglena PLUGCHIEVA (since 25April 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister andelected by the National Assemblyelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);election last held 22 and 29 October 2006 (next to be held in 2011);chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) nominated bythe president and elected by the National Assembly; deputy primeministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by theNational Assemblyelection results: Georgi PARVANOV reelected president; percent ofvote - Georgi PARVANOV 77.3%, Volen SIDEROV 22.7%; Sergei STANISHEVelected prime minister, result of legislative vote - 168 to 67
Burkina Fasochief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15October 1987)head of government: Prime Minister Tertius ZONGO (since 4 June 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 13 November 2005(next to be held in 2010); in April 2000, the constitution wasamended reducing the presidential term from seven to five years,enforceable as of 2005; prime minister appointed by the presidentwith the consent of the legislatureelection results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president; percent ofpopular vote - Blaise COMPAORE 80.3%, Benewende Stanislas SANKARA4.9%
Burmachief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and DevelopmentCouncil (SPDC) Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)head of government: Prime Minister, Lt. Gen THEIN SEIN (since 24October 2007)cabinet: Cabinet is overseen by SPDC; military junta assumed power18 September 1988 under name State Law and Order Restoration Council(SLORC)elections: none
Burundichief of state: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA (since 26 August2005); First Vice President Yves SAVINGUVU - Tutsi (since 9 November2007); Second Vice President Gabriel NTISEZERANA - Hutu (since 9February 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA (since 26 August2005); First Vice President Yves SAVINGUVU - Tutsi (since 9 November2007); Second Vice President Gabriel NTISEZERANA - Hutu (since 9February 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by presidentelections: the president is elected by popular vote to a five-yearterm (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adoptedin February 2005 permits the post-transition president to be electedby a two-thirds majority of the parliament; vice presidentsnominated by the president, endorsed by parliamentelection results: Pierre NKURUNZIZA was elected president by theparliament by a vote of 151 to 9; note - the constitution adopted inFebruary 2005 permits the post-transition president to be elected bya two-thirds majority of the legislature
Cambodiachief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October2004)head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985)[co-prime minister from 1993 to 1997]; Permanent Deputy PrimeMinister MEN SAM AN (since 25 September 2008); Deputy PrimeMinisters SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992); SOK AN, TEA BANH, HORNAMHONG, NHEK BUNCHHAY (since 16 July 2004); BIN CHHIN (since 5September 2007); KEAT CHHON, YIM CHHAI LY (since 25 September 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers in theory appointed by the monarch; inpractice named by the prime ministerelections: the monarch is chosen by a Royal Throne Council;following legislative elections, a member of the majority party ormajority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of theNational Assembly and appointed by the king
Cameroonchief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)head of government: Prime Minister Ephraim INONI (since 8 December2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submittedby the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 11 October 2004(next to be held by October 2011); prime minister appointed by thepresidentelection results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote -Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, GargaHaman ADJI 3.7%
Canadachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Governor General Michaelle JEAN (since 27 September2005)head of government: Prime Minister Stephen HARPER (since 6 February2006)cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually fromamong the members of his own party sitting in Parliamentelections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a five-yearterm; following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty or the leader of the majority coalition in the House ofCommons is automatically designated prime minister by the governorgeneral
Cape Verdechief of state: President Pedro Verona PIRES (since 22March 2001)head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1February 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 12 February 2006(next to be held in February 2011); prime minister nominated by theNational Assembly and appointed by the presidentelection results: Pedro PIRES reelected president; percent of vote -Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 51.2%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 48.8%
Cayman Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); represented by Governor Stuart JACK (since 23 November 2005)head of government: Leader of Government Business Kurt TIBBETTS(since 18 May 2005)cabinet: Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor,four members elected by the Legislative Assembly)elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor is appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or coalition is appointed by the governor Leader ofGovernment Business
Central African Republicchief of state: President Francois BOZIZE(since 15 March 2003 coup)head of government: Prime Minister Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since22 January 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: under the new constitution, the president elected to afive-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held 13March and 8 May 2005 (next to be held in 2010); prime ministerappointed by the political party with a parliamentary majorityelection results: Francois BOZIZE elected president; percent ofsecond round balloting - Francois BOZIZE (KNK) 64.6%, Martin ZIGUELE(MLPC) 35.4%
Chadchief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno (since 4December 1990)head of government: Prime Minister Youssof Saleh ABBAS (since 16April 2008)cabinet: Council of State, members appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote to serve five-yearterm; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, thetwo candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a secondround of voting; last held 3 May 2006 (next to be held by May 2011);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president;percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 64.7%, Delwa KassireKOUMAKOYE 15.1%, Albert Pahimi PADACKE 7.8%, Mahamat ABDOULAYE 7.1%,Brahim KOULAMALLAH 5.3%; note - a June 2005 national referendumaltered the constitution removing presidential term limits andpermitting Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno to run for reelection
Chilechief of state: President Michelle BACHELET Jeria (since 11March 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Michelle BACHELET Jeria (since 11March 2006)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-yearterm; election last held 11 December 2005, with runoff election held15 January 2006 (next to be held in December 2009)election results: Michelle BACHELET Jeria elected president; percentof vote - Michelle BACHELET Jeria 53.5%; Sebastian PINERA Echenique46.5%
Chinachief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003);Vice President XI Jinping (since 15 March 2008)head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003);Executive Vice Premier LI Keqiang (17 March 2008), Vice Premier HUILiangyu (since 17 March 2003), Vice Premier ZHANG Deijiang (since 17March 2008), and Vice Premier WANG Qishan (since 17 March 2008)cabinet: State Council appointed by National People's Congress (NPC)elections: president and vice president elected by National People'sCongress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);elections last held 15-17 March 2008 (next to be held in mid-March2013); premier nominated by president, confirmed by NationalPeople's Congresselection results: HU Jintao elected president by National People'sCongress with a total of 2,963 votes; XI Jinping elected vicepresident with a total of 2,919 votes
Christmas Islandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by the Australian governor generalhead of government: Administrator Neil LUCAS (since 30 January 2006)elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by thegovernor general of Australia and represents the monarch andAustralia
Cocos (Keeling) Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952); represented by the Australian governor generalhead of government: Administrator (nonresident) Neil LUCAS (since 30January 2006)cabinet: NAelections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by thegovernor general of Australia and represents the monarch andAustralia
Colombiachief of state: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7August 2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002)cabinet: Cabinet consists of a coalition of the three largestparties that supported President URIBE's reelection - the PSUN, PC,and CR - and independentselections: president and vice president elected by popular vote fora four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 28May 2006 (next to be held in May 2010)election results: President Alvaro URIBE Velez reelected president;percent of vote - Alvaro URIBE Velez 62%, Carlos GAVIRIA Diaz 22%,Horacio SERPA Uribe 12%, other 4%
Comoroschief of state: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May2006)head of government: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidencyrotates every four years among the elected presidents from the threemain islands in the Union; election last held 14 May 2006 (next tobe held by May 2010); prime minister appointed by the president;note - the post of prime minister has been vacant since May 2002election results: Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI elected president; percent ofvote - Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI 58.0%, Ibrahim HALIDI 28.3%, MohamedDJAANFAMI 13.7%
Congo, Democratic Republic of thechief of state: President JosephKABILA (since 17 January 2001); note - following the assassinationof his father, Joseph KABILA succeeded to the presidency which heretained through the 2003-06 transition; he was subsequently electedpresident in October 2006head of government: Prime Minister Adolphe MUZITO (since 10 October2008)cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the presidentelections: under the new constitution the president is elected bypopular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);elections last held 30 July 2006 and 29 October 2006 (next to beheld in 2011); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Joseph KABILA elected president; percent of vote(second round) - Joseph KABILA 58%, Jean-Pierre BEMBA Gombo 42%note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA,following the latter's assassination in January 2001; negotiationswith rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitionalgovernment in July 2003 with free elections held on 30 July 2006 and29 October 2006 confirming Joseph KABILA as president
Congo, Republic of thechief of state: President DenisSASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war inwhich he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA);head of government: Prime Minister Isidore MVOUBA (since 7 January2005)cabinet: 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 Brian DONNELLY (since 21 February 2008),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: 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 AustralianAttorney-General's Department
Costa Ricachief of state: President Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (since 8May 2006); First Vice President Laura CHINCHILLA (since 8 May 2006);Second Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both thechief 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 (vacant)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 in February 2010)election results: Oscar ARIAS Sanchez elected president; percent ofvote - Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (PLN) 40.9%; Otton SOLIS (PAC) 39.8%,Otto GUEVARA Guth (PML) 8%, Ricardo TOLEDO (PUSC) 3%
Cote d'Ivoirechief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26October 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Guillaume SORO (since 4 April2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note -under the current power-sharing agreement the prime minister and thepresident share the authority to appoint ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(no term limits); election last held 26 October 2000 (next to beheld 30 November 2008; elections were to be held in 2005 but havebeen repeatedly postponed by the government; the UN Security Councilhas extended the government's mandate); prime minister appointed bythe 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), Djurdja ADLESIC(since 12 January 2008), Slobodan UZELAC (since 12 January 2008)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 in January 2010); the leader of the majority partyor the 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 34% in the second round
Cubachief of state: President of the Council of State and Presidentof the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State andFirst Vice President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Jose RamonMACHADO Ventura (since 24 February 2008); note - the president isboth the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President of the Council of State and Presidentof the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State andFirst Vice President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Jose RamonMACHADO Ventura (since 24 February 2008)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 24 February2008 (next to be held in 2013)election results: Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent oflegislative vote - 100%; Gen. Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura electedvice president; percent of legislative vote - 100%
Cypruschief of state: President Dimitris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of government; post of vice president is currently vacant;under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a TurkishCypriothead of government: President Dimitris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28February 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president andvice presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held inFebruary 2013)election results: Dimitris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent ofvote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDIS 33.5%, Dimitris CHRISTOFIAS33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%; (second round) DimitrisCHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDIS 46.6%note: Mehmet Ali TALAT became "president" of the "TRNC", 24 April2005, after "presidential" elections on 17 April 2005; results -Mehmet Ali TALAT 55.6%, Dervis EROGLU 22.7%; Ferdi Sabit SOYER is"TRNC prime minister" and heads the Council of Ministers (cabinet)in coalition with "Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister"Turgay AVCI
Czech Republicchief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March2003)head of government: Prime Minister Mirek TOPOLANEK (since 9 January2007); Deputy Prime Ministers Petr NECAS (since 9 January 2007),Martin BURSIK (since 9 January 2007), and Alexandr VONDRA (since 9January 2007)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 15February 2008 (after earlier elections held 8 and 9 February 2008were inconclusive; next election to be held in February 2013); primeminister appointed by the presidentelection results: Vaclav KLAUS reelected president on 15 February2008; Vaclav KLAUS 141 votes, Jan SVEJNAR 111 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: 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 ofDefenseelections: 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)cabinet: 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 heldin October 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 secondconsecutive term); election last held 16 May 2008 (next to be heldin May 2012)election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ reelected president; percent ofvote - Leonel FERNANDEZ 53.6%, Miguel VARGAS 41%, Amable ARISTY lessthan 5%
Ecuadorchief of state: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January2007)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 on 26 November 2006 (next to be held in October 2010)election results: Rafael CORREA Delgado elected president; percentof vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado 56.7%; Alvaro NOBOA 43.3%
Egyptchief of state: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14October 1981)head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed NAZIF (since 9 July2004)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 Albanez DE ESCOBAR(since 1 June 2004); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: President Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez (since 1June 2004); Vice President Ana Vilma Albanez DE ESCOBAR (since 1June 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 in March 2009)election results: Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez elected president;percent of vote - Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez 57.7%, Schafik HANDAL35.6%, Hector SILVA 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 Ignacio Milan TANG (since 8 July2008);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 in 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)cabinet: 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); the most recent andonly election held 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as theNational Assembly did not hold a presidential election in December2001 as anticipated)election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent ofNational Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%, other 5%
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 in the fall of 2011);prime minister 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 August 1995)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 9 October 2007 (next to be held in October 2013);prime minister designated by the party in power followinglegislative electionselection results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent ofvote by the House of People's Representatives - 79%
European Unionchief of union: President of the European CommissionJose Manuel DURAO BARROSO (since 22 November 2004)cabinet: European Commission (composed of 27 members, one from eachmember country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policyareas)elections: the president of the European Commission is designated bymember governments and is confirmed by the European Parliament;working from member state recommendations, the Commission presidentthen assembles a "college" of Commission members; the EuropeanParliament confirms the entire Commission for a five-year term; thelast confirmation process was held 18 November 2004 (next to be heldin 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 four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for themajor political 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 Dr. Tim THOROGOOD (since 3 January 2008)cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the LegislativeCouncil, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financialsecretary), and the governorelections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by themonarch
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 Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 24September 2008)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 held19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)election results: Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN elected prime minister;percent of parliamentary vote - NA
Fijichief of state: President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda(since 18 July 2000); note - ILOILOVATU was reaffirmed as presidentby the Great Council of Chiefs in a statement issued on 22 December,and reappointed by the coup leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA inJanuary 2007head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal primeminister, he has been confined to his home island; the presidentappointed Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA interim prime minister underthe military regimecabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among themembers of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament; note - coupleader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinetelections: 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 2006election 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); Deputy Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 19 April 2007)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 in 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 appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected 17April 2007election 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 - HALONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%; Matti VANHANENreelected prime minister; election results 121-71note: government coalition - Kesk, KOK, VIHR, and SFP
Francechief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at 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 held22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held spring 2012); primeminister nominated by the National Assembly majority and appointedby the presidentelection results: Nicolas SARKOZY wins the election; First Round:percent of vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.18%, Segolene ROYAL 25.87%,Francois BAYROU 18.57%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.44%, others 13.94%;Second Round: SARKOZY 53.1% and ROYAL 46.9%
French Polynesiachief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16May 2007), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic AdolpheCOLRAT (since 7 July 2008)head of government: President of French Polynesia Gaston TONG SANG(since 15 April 2008); 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: PresidentNicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by SeniorAdministrator Rollon MOUCHEL-BLAISOT (16 October 2008)
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); 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%, HalifaSALLAH 6.0%
Georgiachief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25January 2004); the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment for the power ministries: state security (includesinterior) and defensehead of government: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January2004); Prime Minister Grigol MGALOBLISHVILI (since 1 November 2008);the president is both the chief of state and head of government forthe 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 5 January 2008(next to be held January 2013)election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI reelected president; percentof vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 53.5%, Levan GACHECHILADZE 25.7%,Badri PATARKATSISHVILI 7.1%
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 scheduledfor 23 May 2009); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of theFederal Assembly for a four-year term; Bundestag vote for Chancellorlast held 22 November 2005 (next will follow the national electionsto be held by autumn 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)cabinet: 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 7 December 2008)election results: John Agyekum KUFUOR reelected president inelection; percent of vote - John KUFUOR 52.4%, John ATTA-MILLS 44.6%
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 17 electedmembers of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with thechief ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by themonarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointedchief 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 ofparliamentary 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 results: Hans ENOKSEN reelected prime ministernote: government coalition - Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit
Grenadachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Governor General Carlyle Arnold GLEAN (since 27November 2008)head of government: Prime Minister Tillman THOMAS (since 9 July 2008)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed prime minister by the governor general
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 January2003); Lieutenant Governor Dr. Michael W. CRUZ (since 1 January 2007)cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governorwith the consent of the Guam legislatureelections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporatedterritories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US presidentand vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic andRepublican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenantgovernor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-yearterm (can serve two consecutive terms, then must wait a full termbefore running again); election last held 7 November 2006 (next tobe held in November 2010)election results: Felix P. CAMACHO reelected governor; Dr. MichaelW. CRUZ elected lieutenant governor; percent of vote - NA
Guatemalachief of state: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since14 January 2008); Vice President Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14January 2008); Vice President Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January 2008)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 September2007; runoff held 4 November 2007 (next to be held September 2011)election results: Alvaro COLOM Caballeros elected president; percentof vote - Alvaro COLOM Caballeros 52.8%, Otto PEREZ Molina 47.2%
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 Lyndon TROTT (since 1 May 2008)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 Deliberationelection results: Lyndon TROTT 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: Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane SOUARE (since 23May 2008)cabinet: 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 in December 2010); the prime minister is appointedby the presidentelection results: Lansana CONTE reelected president; percent of vote- Lansana CONTE 95.3%, Mamadou Bhoye BARRY 4.6%
Guinea-Bissauchief of state: President Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA(since 1 October 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Carlos CORREIA (since 5 August2008)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%, Malam Bacai SANHA47.6%
Guyanachief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of PresidentJanet JAGAN and was 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 Michele PIERRE-LOUIS (since 5September 2008)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 for the State of Vatican Cityappointed 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 Jose Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (since27 January 2006); Vice President Elvin Ernesto SANTOS Ordonez (since27 January 2006); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: President Jose Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (since 27January 2006); Vice President Elvin Ernesto SANTOS Ordonez (since 27January 2006)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 in November2009)election results: Jose Manuel ZELAYA Rosales elected president -49.8%, Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa 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 15 official members and 16non-official memberselections: chief executive elected for five-year term by 800-memberelectoral committee; last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be held in2012)election results: Donald TSANG elected chief executive receiving84.1% of the vote of the election committee; Alan LEONG received15.9%
Hungarychief of state: President Laszlo SOLYOM (since 5 August 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Ferenc GYURCSANY (since 29September 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers prime minister elected by the NationalAssembly on the recommendation of the president; other ministersproposed by the prime minister and appointed and relieved of theirduties by 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 in June 2008); followinglegislative elections, the leader of the majority party or theleader of the majority coalition is usually the prime ministerelection results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%
Indiachief of state: President Pratibha PATIL (since 25 July 2007);Vice President Hamid ANSARI (since 11 August 2007)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 held21 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president electedby both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election lastheld 12 August 2002 (next to be held August 2007); prime ministerchosen by parliamentary members of the majority party followinglegislative elections; election last held April - May 2004 (next tobe held May 2009)election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote- 65.8%; Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%