Indonesiachief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since20 October 2004); 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); Vice President Muhammad Yusuf KALLA (since 20 October2004)cabinet: 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 (Majles-Khebregan), apopularly elected body charged with determining the succession ofthe Supreme Leader, reviewing his performance, and deposing him ifdeemed necessary; 2) Expediency Council or the Council for theDiscernment of Expediency (Majma-e-Tashkise-Maslahat-e-Nezam) exertssupervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and legislativebranches and resolves legislative issues on which the Majles and theCouncil of Guardians disagree and since 1989 has been used to advisenational religious leaders on matters of national policy; in 2005the Council's powers were expanded to act as a supervisory body forthe government; 3) Council of Guardians of the Constitution orCouncil of Guardians or Guardians Council (Shora-ye Negaban-eQanun-e Assassi) determines whether proposed legislation is bothconstitutional and faithful to Islamic law, vets candidates forsuitability, and supervises national electionselections: Supreme Leader is appointed for life by the Assembly ofExperts; president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term(eligible for a second term and third nonconsecutive term); lastheld 17 June 2005 with a two-candidate runoff on 24 June 2005 (nextpresidential election slated for 12 June 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 (since 20 May 2006)andRafi al-ISSAWI (since 19 July 2008)cabinet: 34 ministers appointed by the Presidency Council, plusPrime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI and Deputy Prime Ministers BarhamSALIH and Rafi al-ISSAWIelections: 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 Brian COWEN (since 7 May 2008)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, the Green Party, theProgressive Democrats, and independent members of Parliament
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 Tony BROWN (since 14 December2006)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 2006 (next to be heldin December 2008)election results: House of Keys speaker Tony BROWN elected chiefminister by the Tynwald
Israelchief of state: President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007)head of government: Prime Minister Ehud OLMERT (since May 2006);Deputy Prime Minister Tzipora "Tzipi" LIVNI; note - Prime MinisterOLMERT resigned on 17 September 2008, but will serve as acting primeminister until a new government is formedcabinet: 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 (one-term limit); election lastheld 13 June 2007 (next to be held in 2014 but can be calledearlier); following legislative elections, the president assigns aKnesset member - traditionally the leader of the largest party - thetask of forming a governing coalitionnote: government coalition - Kadima, Labor Party, GIL (Pensioners),and SHASelection results: Shimon PERES elected president; number of votes infirst round - Shimon PERES 58, Reuven RIVLIN 37, Colette AVITAL 21;PERES elected president in second round with 86 votes (unopposed)
Italychief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May2006)head of government: Prime Minister Silvio BERLUSCONI (referred to inItaly as the president of the Council of Ministers) (since 8 May2008) note - in Italy the prime minister is referred to as thepresident of the Council of Ministerscabinet: 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 in 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 Bruce GOLDING (since 11 September2007)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: 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 theleader of the majority coalition in the House of Representatives isappointed prime minister by the governor general; the deputy primeminister is recommended by the prime minister
Japanchief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)head of government: Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 24 September 2008)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime ministerelections: Diet designates prime minister; constitution requiresthat prime minister commands parliamentary majority; followinglegislative elections, leader of majority party or leader ofmajority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes primeminister; monarch is hereditary
Jerseychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14 June2006)head of government: Chief Minister Frank WALKER (since December2005); Bailiff Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since February 1995)cabinet: Cabinet (since December 2005)elections: ministers of the Cabinet including the chief minister areelected by the Assembly of States; the monarch is hereditary;lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch
Jordanchief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);Prince HUSSEIN (born 1994), eldest son of King ABDALLAH II, isconsidered to be first in line to inherit the thronehead of government: Prime Minister Nader al-DAHABI (since 25November 2007)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultationwith the monarchelections: the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed bythe 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 Karim MASIMOV (since 10 January2007); Deputy Prime Ministers Umirzak SHUKEYEV (since 27 August2007) and Yerbol ORYNBAYEV (since 29 October 2007)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 Stephene Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January2008);head of government: Prime Minister Raila Amolo ODINGA (since 17April 2008)cabinet: 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 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); vice presidentappointed by the presidentelection results: President Mwai KIBAKI reelected; percent of vote -Mwai KIBAKI 46%, Raila ODINGA 44%, Kalonzo MUSYOKA 9%
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 17October 2007 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed bythe presidentelection results: Anote TONG 63.7%, Nabuti MWEMWENIKARAWA 32.9%
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 diplomaticcredentialshead of government: Premier KIM Yong Il (since 11 April 2007); VicePremiers KWAK Pom Gi (since 5 September 1998), JON Sung Hun (since 3September 2003), RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003), THAE Jong Su(since 16 October 2007)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 LEE Myung-bak (since 25February 2008)head of government: Prime Minister HAN Seung-soo (since 29 February2008)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 2007 (next to be held on inDecember 2012); 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 on 19 December2002; percent of vote - ROH Moo-hyun (MDP) 48.9%; LEE Hoi-chang(GNP) 46.6%; others 4.5%; LEE Myung-bak elected president on 19December 2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNGDong-young (UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1; others10.1%
Kosovochief of state: President Fatmir SEJDIU (since 10 February2006)head of government: Prime Minister Hashim THACI (since 9 January2008)cabinet: ministers; elected by the Kosovo Assemblyelections: the president is elected for a five-year term by theKosovo Assembly; election last held 9 January 2008 (next to be heldby in 2013); the prime minister is elected by the Kosovo Assemblyelection results: Fatmir SEJDIU reelected president; first round:Fatmir SEDIU 62, Naim MALOKU 37; second round: Fatmir SEDIU 61, NaimMALOKU 37; and Hashim THACI elected to be prime minister by theAssembly
Kuwaitchief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabahhead of government: Prime Minister NASIR MUHAMMAD al-Ahmad al-Sabah(since 3 April 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister JABIR Mubarakal-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy Prime MinistersMUHAMMAD al-Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006) andFaysal al-HAJJI (since 5 April 2007); note - the Amir accepted theresignation of the prime minister and cabinet on 1 December 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister andapproved by the Amirelections: none; the amir is hereditary; the amir appoints the primeminister and deputy prime ministers
Kyrgyzstanchief of state: President Kurmanbek BAKIEV (since 14August 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Igor CHUDINOV (since 24 December2007)cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense andsecurity, appointed solely by the presidentelections: Kurmanbek BAKIEV 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 theparliamentary party holding more than 50% of the seats; if no suchparty exists, the president selects the party that will nominate aprime ministerelection results: Kurmanbek BAKIEV elected president; percent ofvote - Kurmanbek BAKIEV 88.6%, Tursunbai BAKIR-UULU 3.9%, othercandidates 7.5%
Laoschief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)head of government: Prime Minister BOUASONE Bouphavanh (since 8 June2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since May2002), Maj. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVATLengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27March 2001)cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by NationalAssemblyelections: president and vice president elected by National Assemblyfor five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006 (next to be heldin 2011); prime minister nominated by president and elected byNational Assembly for 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 Valdis ZATLERS (since 8 July 2007)head of government: Prime Minister Ivars GODMANIS (since 20 December2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister andappointed by Parliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 31 May 2007 (nextto be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the president,confirmed by Parliamentelection results: Valdis ZATLERS elected president; parliamentaryvote - Valdis ZATLERS 58, Aivars ENDZINS 39
Lebanonchief of state: President Michel SULAYMAN (as of 25 May 2008)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 25 May2008 (next to be held in 2014); the prime minister and deputy primeminister appointed by the president in consultation with theNational Assemblyelection results: Michel SULAYMAN elected president; NationalAssembly vote - 118 for, 6 abstentions, 3 invalidated
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: according to the constitution, the leader of the majorityparty in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister; themonarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution thatcame into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a"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 16January 2006)cabinet: 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 in 2011)election results: Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF elected president; percentof vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF 59.6%, George WEAH40.4%
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 March 2006 (next to be held NA)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 (Prime Minister) Otmar HASLER(since 5 April 2001); Deputy Head of Government (Deputy PrimeMinister) Klaus TSCHUETSCHER (since 21 April 2005)cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarchelections: 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 if there is acoalition government
Lithuaniachief of state: President Valdas ADAMKUS (since 12 July2004)head of government: Prime Minister Andrius KUBILIUS (since 27November 2008)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 in 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%; Andrius KUBILIUSapproved by Parliament 89-27 with 16 abstentions
Luxembourgchief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000);Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch)head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 20January 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister andappointed by the monarchelections: the monarch is hereditary; following popular elections tothe Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or theleader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime ministerby the monarch; the deputy prime minister is appointed by themonarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputiesnote: 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 26 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 Charles RABEMANANJARA (25 January2007)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 3 December 2006(next to be held in December 2011); prime minister appointed by thepresidentelection results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA 54.8%, JeanLAHINIRIKO 11.7%, Roland RATSIRAKA 10.1%, Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO 9.1%,Norbert RATSIRAHONANA 4.2%, Ny Hasina ANDRIAMANJATO 4.2%, EliaRAVELOMANANTSOA 2.6%, Pety RAKOTONIAINA 1.7%, other 1.6%
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 May 2004)cabinet: 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 in May 2009)election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent ofvote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA 35.9%, John TEMBO 27.1%, GwandaguluweCHAKUAMBA 25.7%, Brown MPINGANJIRA 8.7%, Justin MALEWEZI 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 on 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 rulernote: position of paramount ruler is primarily ceremonial; inpractice, selection is based on principle of rotation among rulersof states
Maldiveschief of state: President Mohamed NASHEED (since 11November 2008); Vice President (vacant); note - the president isboth the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Mohamed NASHEED (since 11 November2008); Vice President (vacant)cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: under the new constitution, the president is elected bydirect vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for asecond term); election last held 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to beheld in 2013)election results: Mohamed NASHEED elected president; percent of vote- NASHEED 54.25%, Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 45.75%; note - NASHEED isexpected to assume office on 11 November 2008
Malichief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June2002)head of government: Prime Minister Modibo SIDIBE (since 28 September2007)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 on 29 April 2007(next to be held in April 2012); prime minister appointed by thepresidentelection results: Amadou Toumani TOURE reelected president; percentof vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 71.2%, Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA 19.2%,other 9.6%
Maltachief of state: President Edward FENECH ADAMI (since 4 April2004)head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of theprime ministerelections: president elected by the House of Representatives for afive-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on29 March 2004 (next to be held by April 2009); following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majoritycoalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for afive-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by thepresident on the advice of the prime ministerelection results: Eddie FENECH ADAMI elected president; House ofRepresentatives vote - 33 out of 65 votes
Marshall Islandschief of state: President Litokwa TOMEING (since 7January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Litokwa TOMEING (since 7 January 2008)cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members ofthe legislatureelections: president elected by Parliament from among its membersfor a four-year term; election last held 7 January 2008 (next to beheld in 2012)election results: Litokwa TOMEING elected president; TOMEINGreceived 18 votes to 15 for incumbent Kessai Hesa NOTE
Mauritaniachief of state: Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ who led acoup that deposed the democratically elected President Sidi OuldCheikh ABDELLAHI on 6 August 2008head of government: Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF(since 14 August 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second consecutive term); election last held 11March 2007 with a runoff between the two leading candidates held on25 March 2007 (next to be held 2012); prime minister appointed bythe presidentelection results: percent of vote - (second round) Sidi Ould CheikhABDELLAHI 52.8%, Ahmed Ould DADDAH 47.2%
Mauritiuschief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7October 2003); Vice President Abdool Raouf BUNDHUN (since 25February 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM (since 5July 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president and vice president elected by the NationalAssembly for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); electionlast held 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013); primeminister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president,responsible to the National Assemblyelection results: Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH reelected president byunanimous vote; percent of vote by the National Assembly - NA%
Mayottechief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May2007); represented by Prefect Denis ROBIN (since 28 July 2008)head of government: President of the General Council Said Omar OILI(since 8 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 the Interior; president of the General Councilelected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term;next election to be held in 2010
Mexicochief of state: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa(since 1 December 2006); note - the president is both the chief ofstate and head of governmenthead of government: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa(since 1 December 2006)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment ofattorney general requires consent of the Senateelections: president elected by popular vote for a single six-yearterm; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)election results: Felipe CALDERON elected president; percent of vote- Felipe CALDERON 35.89%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR 35.31%,Roberto MADRAZO 22.26%, other 6.54%
Micronesia, Federated States ofchief of state: President EmanuelMORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); VicePresident Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007)cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of theeight executive departmentselections: president and vice president elected by Congress fromamong the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible fora second term); election last held 11 May 2007 (next to be held May2011); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to establishpopular elections for president and vice president failedelection results: Emanuel MORI elected president; percent ofCongress vote - NA; Alik L. ALIK elected vice president; percent ofCongress vote - NA
Moldovachief of state: President Vladimir VORONIN (since 4 April2001)head of government: Prime Minister Zinaida GRECEANII (since 31 March2008); First Deputy Prime Minister Igor DODON (since 31 March 2008)cabinet: Cabinet selected by president, subject to approval ofParliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 4 April 2005 (nextto be held in 2009); note - prime minister designated by thepresident upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days fromdesignation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote ofconfidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work program andentire cabinet; prime minister designated 21 March 2008; cabinetreceived a vote of confidence 31 March 2008election results: Vladimir VORONIN reelected president;parliamentary votes - Vladimir VORONIN 75, Gheorghe DUCA 1; ZinaidaGRECEANII designated prime minister; parliamentary votes ofconfidence - 56 of 101
Monacochief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)head of government: Minister of State Jean-Paul PROUST (since 1 June2005)cabinet: Council of Government is under the authority of the monarchelections: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointedby the monarch from a list of three French national candidatespresented by the French Government
Mongoliachief of state: President Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR (since 24 June2005)head of government: Prime Minister Sanjaa BAYAR (since 22 November2007); First Deputy Prime Minister (Norov ALTANKHUYAG (since 27September 2008); Vice Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since 6December 2007)cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultationwith the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural(parliament)elections: presidential candidates nominated by political partiesrepresented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for afour-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 22May 2005 (next to be held in May 2009); following legislativeelections, leader of majority party or majority coalition is usuallyelected prime minister by State Great Huralelection results: Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR elected president; percent ofvote - Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR 53.44%, Mendsaikhanin ENKHSAIKHAN 20.05%,Bazarsadyn JARGALSAIKHAN 13.92%, Badarchyn ERDENEBAT 12.59%;Miegombyn ENKHBOLD elected prime minister by the State Great Hural56 to 10
Montenegrochief of state: President Filip VUJANOVIC (since 11 May2003)head of government: Prime Minister Milo DJUKANOVIC (since 29February 2008)cabinet: Ministries act as cabinetelections: president elected by direct vote for five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 6 April 2008 (nextto be held in 2013); prime minister proposed by president, acceptedby Assemblyelection results: Filip VUJANOVIC reelected president; FilipVUJANOVIC 51.89%, Andrija MANDIC 19.55%, Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC 16.64%,Srdan MILIC 11.92%
Montserratchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); represented by Governor Peter A. WATERWORTH (since 27 July2007)head of government: Chief Minister Lowell LEWIS (since 2 June 2006)cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chiefminister, three other ministers, the attorney general, and thefinance secretaryelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by themonarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty usually becomes chief minister
Moroccochief of state: King MOHAMED VI (since 30 July 1999)head of government: Prime Minister Abbas EL FASSI (since 19September 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarchelections: the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed bythe monarch following legislative elections
Mozambiquechief of state: President Armando GUEBUZA (since 2February 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Luisa DIOGO (since 17 February2004)cabinet: Cabinetelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 1-2 December 2004(next to be held in December 2009); prime minister appointed by thepresidentelection results: Armando GUEBUZA elected president; percent of vote- Armando GUEBUZA 63.7%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 31.7%
Namibiachief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21March 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21 March 2005)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the membersof the National Assemblyelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 15 November 2004(next to be held in November 2009)election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA elected president; percent ofvote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Den ULENGA 7.3%, Katuutire KAURA5.1%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 4.2%, Justus GAROEB 3.8%, other 3.2%
Nauruchief of state: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December2007); note - President Ludwig SCOTTY defeated in a no confidencevote in parliament on 19 December 2007cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the membersof Parliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term;election last held 19 December 2007 (next to be held in 2010)election results: NA
Nepalchief of state: President Ram Baran YADAV (as of 23 July2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (as of 23 July 2008)head of government: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal DAHAL (as of 18August 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev GAUTAMcabinet: selected by the prime ministerelections: president elected by Parliament; term NA; election lastheld 21 July 2008election results: Ram Baran YADAV elected president by theConstituent Assembly in a second round of voting on 21 July 2008;Ram Baran YADAV 308, Ram Jaja Prasad SINGH 282
Netherlandschief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of themonarchhead of government: Prime Minister Jan Peter BALKENENDE (since 22July 2002); Deputy Prime Ministers Wouter BOS (since 22 February2007) and Andre ROUVOET (since 22 February 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarchelections: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamberelections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majoritycoalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputyprime ministers appointed by the monarchnote: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heirapparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabineton legislative and administrative policy
Netherlands Antilleschief of state: Queen BEATRIX of theNetherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor GeneralFrits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1 July 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Emily de JONGH-ELHAGE (since 26March 2006)cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (legislature)elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime ministerby the Staten; election last held 27 January 2006 (next to be heldby 2010)note: government coalition - PAR, PNP, DP-St. M, UPB, WIPM Saba,DP-St. E
New Caledoniachief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16May 2007); represented by High Commissioner Yves DASSONVILLE (since9 November 2007)head of government: President of the Government Harold MARTIN (since7 August 2007)cabinet: Cabinet consisting of 11 members elected from and by theTerritorial Congresselections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; high commissioner appointed by the French president on theadvice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of thegovernment elected by the members of the Territorial Congress for afive-year term (no term limits); note - last election held 7 August2007 when Harold MARTIN was elected following the resignation ofMarie-Noelle THEMEREAU as president on 24 July 2007 (next to be heldin 2012)
New Zealandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); represented by Governor General Anand SATYANAND (since 23August 2006)head of government: Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bill ENGLISH (since 19 November 2008)cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usuallyappointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy primeminister appointed by the governor general
Nicaraguachief of state: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January2007); note - the president is both chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term solong as it is not consecutive); election last held 5 November 2006(next to be held by November 2011)election results: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra elected president - 38.07%,Eduardo MONTEALEGRE 29%, Jose RIZO 26.21%, Edmundo JARQUIN 6.44%
Nigerchief of state: President Mamadou TANDJA (since 22 December1999)head of government: Prime Minister Seyni OUMAROU (since 3 June2007); appointed by the president and shares some executiveresponsibilities with the presidentcabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); second round of election last held 4December 2004 (next to be held December 2009)election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent ofvote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%
Nigeriachief of state: President Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA (since 29 May2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA (since 29 May 2007)cabinet: Federal Executive Councilelections: president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 21 April 2007 (nextto be held in April 2011)election results: Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA elected president; percent ofvote - Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA 69.8%, Muhammadu BUHARI 18.7%, AtikuABUBAKAR 7.5%, Orji Uzor KALU 1.7%, other 2.3%
Niuechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND(since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented byNew Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministerselections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by theLegislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 18June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN inLegislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5
Norfolk Islandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); represented by the Australian governor generalhead of government: Acting Administrator Owen WALSH (since October2007)cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members ofthe Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy andacts as an advisor to the administratorelections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by thegovernor general of Australia and represents the monarch andAustralia
Northern Mariana Islandschief of state: President George W. BUSH ofthe US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY(since 20 January 2001)head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January2006); Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. VILLAGOMEZ (since 9 January2006)cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principaldepartments under the executive branch who are appointed by thegovernor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other membersinclude Special Assistants to the governor and office headsappointed by and reporting directly to the governorelections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporatedterritories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern MarianaIslands, do not vote in elections for US president and vicepresident; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republicanpresidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governorelected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms(eligible for a second term); election last held 5 November 2005(next to be held in November 2009)election results: Benigno R. FITIAL elected governor in a four-wayrace; percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL 28.07%, Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER27.34%, Juan BABAUTA 26.6%, Froilan TENORIO 17.99%
Norwaychief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); HeirApparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20July 1973)head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17October 2005)cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval ofparliamentelections: the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentaryelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by themonarch with the approval of the parliament
Omanchief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Saidal-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Saidal-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July1972)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarchelections: the monarch is hereditary
Pakistanchief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 6September 2008)head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25March 2008)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of theprime ministerelections: the president is elected by secret ballot through anElectoral College comprising the members of the Senate, NationalAssembly, and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term;election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not laterthan 2013); note - any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of theNational Assembly can contest the presidential election; the primeminister is selected by the National Assembly; election last held on24 March 2008election results: ZARDARI elected; ZARDARI 481 votes, SIDDIQUI 153votes, HUSSAIN 44 votes; GILANI elected prime minister; GILANI 264votes, Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes; several abstentions
Palauchief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since19 January 2001); Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January 2005);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19January 2001); Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January 2005)cabinet: NAelections: president and vice president elected on separate ticketsby popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)election results: Johnson TORIBIONG (51%) defeats Elias Camsek CHIN(49%) for president; Kerai MARIUR elected vice president
Panamachief of state: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1September 2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1September 2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since1 September 2004); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1September 2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1September 2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since1 September 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticketby popular vote for five-year terms (not eligible for immediatereelection; president and vice presidents must sit out twoadditional terms (10 years) before becoming eligible forreelection); election last held 2 May 2004 (next to be held on 3 May2009); note - beginning in 2009, Panama will have only one vicepresidentelection results: Martin TORRIJOS Espino elected president; percentof vote - Martin TORRIJOS Espino 47.5%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany30.6%, Jose Miguel ALEMAN 17%, Ricardo MARTINELLI 4.9%note: government coalition - PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party),PP (Popular Party)
Papua New Guineachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952); represented by governor general Sir Paulius MATANE(since 29 June 2004)head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2August 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Puka TEMU (since 29 August 2007)cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by governor general onrecommendation of prime ministerelections: monarch is hereditary; governor general nominated byparliament and appointed by chief of state; following legislativeelections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalitionusually is appointed prime minister by governor general
Paraguaychief of state: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez(since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15August 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 20April 2008 (next to be held April 2013)election results: Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez elected president;percent of vote - Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez 40.8%, Blanca OVELAR30.6%, Lino OVIEDO 21.9%, Pedro FADUL 2.4%, other 4.3%
Peruchief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas; Second VicePresident Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas; Second VicePresident Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006)note: Prime Minister Yehude SIMON Munaro (since 14 October 2008)does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of thepresidentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a nonconsecutive reelection); presidential andcongressional elections held 9 April 2006 with runoff election held4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011election results: Alan GARCIA elected president in runoff election;percent of vote - Alan GARCIA 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA Tasso 47.5%
Philippineschief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since20 January 2001); note - president is both chief of state and headof governmenthead of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20January 2001)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent ofCommission of Appointmentselections: president and vice president (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO)elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-yearterm; election last held on 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2010)election results: Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected president; percentof vote - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 40%, Fernando POE 37%, threeothers 23%
Pitcairn Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealandand Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON(since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (sinceSeptember 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and theIsland Councilhead of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006);Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1January 2008)cabinet: NAelections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissionerappointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for athree-year term; election last held December 2004 (next to be heldin December 2007)election results: Jay WARREN elected mayor and chairman of theIsland Council
Polandchief of state: President Lech KACZYNSKI (since 23 December2005)head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 16 November2007); Deputy Prime Ministers Waldemar PAWLAK (since 16 November2007) and Grzegorz SCHETYNA (since 16 November 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister andthe Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, andthe Sejm approves the Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 9 and 23 October2005 (next to be held in the fall 2010); prime minister and deputyprime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejmelection results: Lech KACZYNSKI elected president; percent ofpopular vote - Lech KACZYNSKI 54%, Donald Tusk 46%
Portugalchief of state: President Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 9March 2006)head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto deSousa (since 12 March 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministernote: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultativebody to the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 22 January 2006(next to be held in January 2011); following legislative elections,the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the presidentelection results: Anibal CAVACO SILVA elected president; percent ofvote - Anibal CAVACO SILVA 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario AlbertoNobre Lopes SOARES 14.3%, Jeronimo DE SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%
Puerto Ricochief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US(since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20January 2001)head of government: Governor Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA (since 2 January2005)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of thelegislatureelections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporatedterritories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for USpresident and vice president; however, they may vote in Democraticand Republican presidential primary elections; governor elected bypopular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election lastheld 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of thevote, he will take office on 2 January 2009
Qatarchief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al-Thani (since 27 June1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA binHamad Al-Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamadbin Khalifa Al-Thani, fourth son of the monarch (selected HeirApparent by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD alsoholds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief ofthe Armed Forceshead of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin JabirAl-Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah binHamad al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarchelections: the monarch is hereditarynote: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-memberCentral Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultativepowers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; thefirst election for the CMC was held in March 1999
Romaniachief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December2004); note - President Traian BASESCU was suspended by vote ofparliament on 19 April 2007, but resumed his duties on 23 May 2007after a popular referendum confirmed that his impeachment should notstandhead of government: Prime Minister Calin Popescu-TARICEANU (since 29December 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 28 November 2004with runoff between the top two candidates held 12 December 2004(next to be held in November-December 2009); prime ministerappointed by the president with the consent of the Parliamentelection results: percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 51.23%, AdrianNASTASE 48.77%
Russiachief of state: President Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV(since 7 May 2008)head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 8May 2008); First Deputy Premiers Igor Ivanovich SHUVALOV and ViktorAlekseyevich ZUBKOV (since 12 May 2008); Deputy Premiers SergeyBorisovich IVANOV (since 12 May 2008), Dmitriy Nikolayevich KOZAK(since 14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 24September 2007), Igor Ivanovich SECHIN (since 12 May 2008), SergeySemenovich SOBYANIN (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr DmitriyevichZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004), and Dmitry Nikolayevich KOZAK (since 14October 2008)cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed ofthe premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected otherindividuals; all are appointed by the presidentnote: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that providesstaff and policy support to the president, drafts presidentialdecrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; aSecurity Council also reports directly to the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term(eligible for a second term); election last held 2 March 2008 (nextto be held in March 2012); note - no vice president; if thepresident dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of illhealth, is impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as actingpresident until a new presidential election is held, which must bewithin three months; premier appointed by the president with theapproval of the Dumaelection results: Dmitriy MEDVEDEV elected president; percent ofvote - Dmitry MEDVEDEV 70.2%, Gennady ZYUGANOV 17.7%, VladimirZHIRINOVSKY 9.4%, Andrey BOGDONOV 1.3%
Rwandachief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March2000)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(eligible for a second term); elections last held 25 August 2003(next to be held in 2010)election results: Paul KAGAME elected president in first directpopular vote; Paul KAGAME 95.05%, Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU 3.62%,Jean-Nepomuscene NAYINZIRA 1.33%
Saint Barthelemychief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March2007)head of government: President of the Territorial Council BrunoMAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory,economic, social, and cultural councilelections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of theFrench Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council iselected by the members of the Council for a five-year termelection results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by theTerritorial Council on 16 July 2007
Saint Helenachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952)head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Andrew GURR(since 11 November 2007)cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, threeex-officio officers, and five elected members of the LegislativeCouncilelections: the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by themonarch
Saint Kitts and Nevischief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952); represented by Governor General Cuthbert MontravilleSEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultationwith the prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general isappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition isusually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputyprime minister appointed by the governor general
Saint Luciachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (sinceSeptember 1997)head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office Friday, 7September 2007cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general isappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputyprime minister appointed by the governor general
Saint Martinchief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)head of government: President of the Territorial Council FrantzGUMBS (since 7 August 2008)cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisoryeconomic, social, and cultural councilelection: French president elected by popular vote to a five-yearterm; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of theFrench Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council iselected by the members of the Council for a five-year termelection results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the TerritorialCouncil on 7 August 2008
Saint Pierre and Miquelonchief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY(since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Pierre BERCOT(since 28 July 2008)head of government: President of the Territorial Council StephaneARTANO (since 21 February 2007)cabinet: NAelections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-yearterm; election last held 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012);prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of theFrench Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council iselected by the members of the council
Saint Vincent and the Grenadineschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II(since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General SirFredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29March 2001)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general isappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister bythe governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by thegovernor general on the advice of the prime minister
Samoachief of state: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since 20 June 2007)head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA(since 1998); Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members appointed by the chief ofstate on the prime minister's adviceelections: chief of state is elected by the Legislative Assembly toserve a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 15 June2007 (next to be held in 2012); following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister bythe chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assemblyelection results: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi unanimously elected bythe Legislative Assembly
San Marinochief of state: Co-chiefs of State Captain Regent ErnestoBENEDETTINI and Captain Regent Assunta MELONI (for the period 1October-31 March 2009)head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and PoliticalAffairs Fiorenzo STOLFI (since 27 July 2006)cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Councilfor a five-year termelections: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Greatand General Council for a six-month term; election last held inSeptember 2007 (next to be held in March 2008); secretary of statefor foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and GeneralCouncil for a five-year term; election last held 27 July 2006 (nextto be held by 2011)election results: Ernesto BENEDETTINI and Assunta MELONI electedcaptains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Fiorenzo STOLFIelected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs;percent of legislative vote - NAnote: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent(co-chiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside overmeetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congressof State), which has 10 other members, all selected by the Grand andGeneral Council; assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries ofstate; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed someprime ministerial roles