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 Boyko BORISSOV (since 27 July2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Simeon DJANKOV and Tsvetan TSVETANOV(since 27 July 2009);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) elected by theNational Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the primeminister and elected by the National 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; next elections to beheld in August 2010; vice presidents nominated 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 24 September 2008);KE KIMYAN (since 12 March 2009)cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister andappointed by the monarchelections: the king is chosen by a Royal Throne Council from amongall eligible males of royal descent; following legislativeelections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition isnamed prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly andappointed by the king
Cameroonchief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)head of government: Prime Minister Philemon YANG (since 30 June 2009)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%
Canadahead 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 Rodriques PIRES(since 22 March 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: Premier McKeeva BUSH (since 6 November 2009)cabinet: The Cabinet (six members appointed by the governor on theadvice of the premier, selected from among the elected members ofthe 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 as premier
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 Congresselections: 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 Brian LACY (since 5 October 2009)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) Brian LACY (since 5October 2009)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 Calderon (since 7August 2002); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS Calderon (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 in 2011)election 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 October 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 anda run-off on 29 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); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October1997); note - the position of Prime Minister was abolished inSeptember 2009cabinet: 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 12 July 2009 (nextto be held in 2016)election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percentof vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 78.6%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU7.5%, Nicephore Fylla de SAINT-EUDES 7%
Cook Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952) represented by Sir Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001);New Zealand High Commissioner Tia BARRETT (since December 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 (vacant); Second Vice President(vacant); note - the president is both the chief of state and headof governmenthead of government: President Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (since 8 May2006); First Vice President (vacant); 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 29 November 2009 after being repeatedly postponed by thegovernment; the UN Security Council has extended the government'smandate); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote- Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other2.2%
Croatiachief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18February 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Jadranka KOSOR (since 6 July2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Bozidar PANKRETIC (since 6 July 2009),Damir POLANCEC (since 15 February 2005), Djurdja ADLESIC (since 12January 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 votein the second round - Stjepan MESIC 66%, Jadranka KOSOR 34%
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 Demetris 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 Demetris 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: Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent ofvote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%; (second round) DemetrisCHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 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 Jan FISCHER (since 9 April 2009);Deputy Prime Ministers Petr NECAS (since 9 January 2007), MartinBURSIK (since 9 January 2007), and Vlasta PARKANOVA (since 23January 2008)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 2013); prime ministerappointed 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 Lars Lokke RASMUSSEN (since 5April 2009)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 Major General Jamie GORDON (sinceOctober 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defenseelections: 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 2013); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL consented to a second term in2008 at the request of the prime minister and leader of theopposition
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 and can be re-electedfor another consecutive term; election last held 26 April 2009 (nextto be held 2013)election results: President Rafael CORREA Delgado reelectedpresident; percent of vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado 51.7%; LucioGUTIERREZ 28%; Alvaro NOBOA 11.6%; other 8.7%; note - officialresults pending
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 Mauricio FUNES Cartagena(since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1June 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and headof governmenthead of government: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009)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 15March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)election results: Mauricio FUNES Cartagena elected president;percent of vote - Mauricio FUNES Cartagena 51.3%, Rodrigo AVILA 48.7%
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 2010); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointedby 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: Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved byParliamentelections: 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 councils) elects the president, choosing betweenthe two candidates with the largest number of votes; election lastheld 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011); primeminister nominated by the president and approved by Parliamentelection results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots leftblank or invalid
Ethiopiachief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8October 2001)head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since 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 16 September 2009 (next to beheld in 2014)election results: European Parliament approved the EuropeanCommission by a vote of 382 to 219 with 117 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 26September 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: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister;governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSENbecomes Prime Minister
Fijichief of state: President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July2009)head 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; former PresidentILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA interim primeminister under the 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: under the constitution, president elected by the GreatCouncil of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role inelecting the president; prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by ChiefJustice Anthony GATES
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 appointed by 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 Oscar TEMARU(since 7 February 2009); President of the Territorial AssemblyEduoard FRITCH (since 12 February 2009)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 Ali BONGO Ondimba (since 16 October2009)head of government: Prime Minister Paul BIYOGHE MBA (since 15 July2009)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 30 August 2009 (next to be heldin 2016); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: President Ali BONGO Ondimba elected; percent ofvote - Ali BONGO Ondimba 41.7%, Andre MBA OBAME 25.9%, PierreMAMBOUNDOU 25.2%, Zacharie MYBOTO 3.9%, other 3.3%note: President BONGO died on 8 June 2009 after serving as presidentfor 32 years, in accordance with the constitution he was replaced onan interim basis by the president of the Senate, Rose FrancineROGOMBE on 10 June 2009, new elections where held on 30 August 2009and the son of the former president, Ali BONGO Ondimba, was electedpresident
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 Nikoloz GILAURI (since 6 February 2009); thepresident is both the chief of state and head of government for thepower ministries: state security (includes interior) and defense;the prime minister is head of the remaining ministries of governmentcabinet: 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 27 September 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 Evans Atta MILLS (since 7January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009)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 2008 with a second round held 28December 2008 (next to be held 7 December 2012)election results: John Evans Atta MILLS elected president in run-offelection; percent of vote - John Evans Atta MILLS 50.23%, Nana AddoDankwa AKUFO-ADDO 49.77%
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 Yeoryios PAPANDREOU (since 6October 2009)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); president appoints leader of theparty securing plurality of vote in election to become primeminister 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 Kuupik KLEIST (since 12 June 2009)cabinet: Home Rule Government is elected by the Parliament(Landsting) 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: Kuupik KLEIST elected prime minister
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 Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)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 Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January2008)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: Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA, President of theNational Council for Democracy and Development, who led a militarycoup following the death of President Lansana CONTE on 22 December2008head of government: Prime Minister Kabine KOMARA (since 30 December2008)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(ad hoc election scheduled for 31 January 2010); the prime ministeris appointed by the presidentelection results: Lansana CONTE reelected president; percent of vote- Lansana CONTE 95.3%, Mamadou Bhoye BARRY 4.6%
Guinea-Bissauchief of state: President Malam Bacai SANHA (since 8September 2009)head of government: Prime Minister Carlos GOMES Junior (since 25December 2008)cabinet: NAelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(no term limits); election last held 28 June 2009 with a runoffbetween the two leading candidates held on 26 July 2009 (next to beheld by 2014); prime minister appointed by the president afterconsultation with party leaders in the legislatureelection results: Malam Bacai SANHA elected president; percent ofvote, second ballot - Malam Bacai SANHA 63.5%, Kumba YALA 36.5%
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 Jean-Max BELLERIVE (since 7November 2009)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 Commissioner Aristides MEJIACarranza (since 1 February 2009); note - the president is both thechief of state and head of government; because the president andvice president are elected on the same ticket, the position of "vicepresident commissioner" was created after Vice President ElvinSANTOS resigned in late 2008 to run for president in the November2009 electionhead of government: President Jose Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (since 27January 2006); Vice President Commissioner Aristides MEJIA Carranza(since 1 February 2009)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 Yam-kuen (since 24June 2005)cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo consists of 15 official membersand 14 non-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 Kah-kitreceived 15.9%
Hungarychief of state: President Laszlo SOLYOM (since 5 August 2005)head of government: Prime Minister Gordon BAJNAI (since 20 April2009)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 14 April 2009election results: Laszlo SOLYOM elected president by a simplemajority in the third round of voting, 185 to 182; Gordon BAJNAIelected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 204 to 0note: 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 Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR (since 1February 2009);cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime ministerelections: president, a largely ceremonial post, is elected bypopular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election lastheld 28 June 2004 (next to be held in June 2012); followinglegislative elections, the leader of the majority party or theleader of the majority coalition is usually the prime ministernote: the presidential election of 28 June 2008 was never heldbecause Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON had no challengers; he was sworn inon 1 August 20082004 election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president;percent of vote - 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 heldin July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president electedby both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election lastheld in August 2007 (next to be held August 2012); prime ministerchosen by parliamentary members of the majority party followinglegislative elections; election last held April - May 2004 (next tobe held no later than May 2009)election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote- Pratibha PATIL 65.8%, Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%
Indonesiachief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead 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 are elected for five-yearterms (eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry;last held on 8 July 2009 (next to be held in July 2014)election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected president;percent of vote - Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO 60.8%, MEGAWATISukarnoputri 26.8%, Jusuf KALLA 12.4%
Iranchief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4June 1989)head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August2005); First Vice President Mohammad Reza RAHIMI (since 13 September2009)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 12 June 2009;(next presidential election slated for June 2013)election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD reelected president; percentof vote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62.6%, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI-Khamenei33.8%, other 3.6%; voter turnout 85%
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); Rafi al-ISSAWI (since 19 July 2008)cabinet: 36 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 (disbanding), and independent members ofParliament
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; the chief minister is elected by the Tynwald for afive-year term; election last held 14 December 2006 (next to be heldin December 2011)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 Binjamin NETANYAHU (since 31March 2009); Vice Prime Minister Silvan SHALOM (since 31 March2009); Vice Prime Minister Moshe YAALON (since 31 March 2009)cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by theKnessetelections: president is largely a ceremonial role and is elected bythe Knesset for a seven-year term (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 coalitionelection 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 (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 Dr. Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26February 2009)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 Yukio HATOYAMA (since 16September 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 16 September2009)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 Terry LE SUEUR (12 December2008); 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);Crown Prince HUSSEIN (born 28 June 1994), eldest son of KingABDALLAH IIhead 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); First Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak SHUKEYEV (since 3 March2009) and Deputy Prime Ministers Yerbol ORYNBAYEV (since 29 October2007) and Serik AKHMETOV (since 3 March 2009)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 4 December 2005 (next to be held in 2012); primeminister and first deputy prime minister appointed by the president,with Mazhilis approval; note - constitutional amendments of May 2007shortened the presidential term from seven years to five years andestablished a two-consecutive-term limit; changes will take effectafter NAZARBAYEV's term ends; he, and only he, is allowed to run forpresident indefinitelyelection results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A.TUYAKBAI 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAIMENOV 1.6%
Kenyachief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December2002); Vice President Stephene Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January2008);head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002);Vice President Stephene Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008);note - the roles of the president and prime minister are not welldefined at this juncture; constitutionally, the president remainschief of state and head of government, but the prime minister ischarged with coordinating government businesscabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and headed by the primeminister, who is the leader of the largest party in parliamentelections: 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 9 April 2009, 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 in 2003 president of its Presidium also withresponsibility of representing state and receiving diplomaticcredentialshead of government: Premier KIM Yong Il (since 11 April 2007); VicePremier KWAK Pom Gi (since 5 September 1998), Vice Premier O Su Yong(since 13 April 2009), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September2009), Vice Premier PAK Myong Su (since 4 September 2009), VicePremier RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)cabinet: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People'sArmed Forces, are appointed by SPAelections: last held in September 2003; date of next election NAelection 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 CHUNG Un-chan (since 30 September2009)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 inDecember 2012); prime minister appointed by president with consentof National Assemblyelection results: LEE Myung-bak elected president on 19 December2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young(UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1; others 10.1%