Chapter LXXVI: Section 3: , telephone 886 (2) 2709-2000, FAX 886 (2) 2702-7675, (11)

head of government: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11 March
2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;
election last held 12 December 1999, with runoff election held 16
January 2000 (next to be held NA December 2005)

election results: Ricardo LAGOS Escobar elected president; percent
of vote - Ricardo LAGOS Escobar 51.32%, Joaquin LAVIN 48.68%

China:
chief of state: President JIANG Zemin (since 27 March 1993)
and Vice President HU Jintao (since 16 March 1998)

head of government: Premier ZHU Rongji (since 18 March 1998); Vice
Premiers QIAN Qichen (since 29 March 1993), LI Lanqing (29 March
1993), WU Bangguo (since 17 March 1995), and WEN Jiabao (since 18
March 1998)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the National People's Congress
(NPC)

elections: president and vice president elected by the National
People's Congress for five-year terms; elections last held 16-18
March 1998 (next to be held NA March 2003); premier nominated by the
president, confirmed by the National People's Congress

election results: JIANG Zemin reelected president by the Ninth
National People's Congress with a total of 2,882 votes (36 delegates
voted against him, 29 abstained, and 32 did not vote); HU Jintao
elected vice president by the Ninth National People's Congress with
a total of 2,841 votes (67 delegates voted against him, 39
abstained, and 32 did not vote)

Christmas Island:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator William Leonard TAYLOR (since 4
February 1999)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed
by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since
6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator (non-resident) William Leonard
TAYLOR (since 4 February 1999)

cabinet: NA

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed
by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia

Colombia:
chief of state: President Andres PASTRANA (since 7 August
1998); Vice President Gustavo BELL Lemus (since 7 August 1998); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Andres PASTRANA (since 7 August
1998); Vice President Gustavo BELL Lemus (since 7 August 1998); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet Cabinet consists of a coalition of the two
dominant parties - the PL and PSC - and independents

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held 31 May 1998 (next to be held NA May 2002); vice
president elected by popular vote for a four-year term in a new
procedure that replaces the traditional designation of vice
presidents by newly elected presidents; election last held 31 May
1998 (next to be held NA May 2002)

election results: no candidate received more than 50% of the total
vote, therefore, a run-off election to select a president from the
two leading candidates was held 21 June 1998; Andres PASTRANA
elected president; percent of vote - 50.3%; Gustavo BELL elected
vice president; percent of vote - 50.3%

Comoros:
chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 6 May
1999); note - the interim government of President Tajiddine Ben Said
MASSOUNDE, which had assumed power on 6 November 1998 upon the death
of President Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim, was overthrown in a bloodless
coup on 30 April 1999

head of government: Prime Minister Hamada MADI (since late November
2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 6 and 16 March 1996 (next to be held NA); prime
minister appointed by the president

note: President AZALI claimed a one-year term at the time of the
coup; but elections, promised for spring 2000, were not held

election results: results of the last presidential election before
the coup were: Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim elected president; percent of
vote - 64.3%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the:
chief of state: Joseph KABILA
(since 26 January 2001); note - the president succeeded his father
Laurent Desire KABILA after his assassination on 16 January 2001; as
president he is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001); note -
the president succeeded his father Laurent Desire KABILA after his
assassination on 16 January 2001; as president he is both chief of
state and head of government

cabinet: National Executive Council, appointed by the president

elections: before Laurent Desire KABILA seized power, the president
was elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last
held 29 July 1984 (next was scheduled to be held in May 1997);
formerly, the prime minister was elected by the High Council of the
Republic; note - elections were not held in 1991 as called for by
the constitution

election results: results of the last election were: MOBUTU Sese
Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga reelected president in 1984 without
opposition

note: Marshal MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga was
president from 24 November 1965 until forced into exile on 16 May
1997 when his government was overthrown militarily by Laurent Desire
KABILA, who immediately assumed governing authority; KABILA pledged
to hold elections by April 1999, but in December 1998 announced that
elections would be postponed until all foreign military forces
attempting to topple the government had withdrawn from the country;
KABILA was assassinated in January 2001 and was succeeded by his son
Joseph KABILA

Congo, Republic of the:
chief of state: President Denis
SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in
which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25
October 1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected
president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief
of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 16 August 1992 (next was to be held 27 July 1997
but will be delayed for several years pending the drafting of a new
constitution)

election results: Pascal LISSOUBA elected president in 1992;
percent of vote - Pascal LISSOUBA 61.3%, Bernard KOLELAS 38.7%; note
- LISSOUBA was deposed in 1997, replaced by Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO

Cook Islands:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Apenera SHORT (since NA); New Zealand High
Commissioner Jon JONESSEN (since NA January 1998), representative of
New Zealand

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Terepai MAOATE (since 18
November 1999); Deputy Prime Minister Norman GEORGE (since NA)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively
responsible to Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative
is appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner is
appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative
elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats usually
becomes prime minister

note: ten years of rule by the Cook Islands Party (CIP) came to an
end 18 November 1999 with the resignation of Prime Minister Joe
WILLIAMS; WILLIAMS had led a minority government since October 1999
when the New Alliance Party (NAP) left the government coalition and
joined the main opposition Democratic Alliance Party (DAP); on 18
November 1999, DAP leader Dr. Terepai MAOATE was sworn in as prime
minister

Coral Sea Islands:
administered from Canberra by the Department of
the Environment, Sport, and Territories

Costa Rica:
chief of state: President Miguel Angel RODRIGUEZ (since
8 May 1998); First Vice President Astrid FISCHEL Volio (since 8 May
1998), Second Vice President Elizabeth ODIO Benito (since 8 May
1998); note - president is both the chief of state and head of
government

head of government: President Miguel Angel RODRIGUEZ (since 8 May
1998); First Vice President Astrid FISCHEL Volio (since 8 May 1998),
Second Vice President Elizabeth ODIO Benito (since 8 May 1998); note
- president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president

elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 1 February
1998 (next to be held 3 February 2002)

election results: Miguel Angel RODRIGUEZ elected president; percent
of vote - Miguel Angel RODRIGUEZ (PUSC) 46.6%, Jose Miguel CORRALES
(PLN) 44.6%

Cote d'Ivoire:
chief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26
October 2000); note - took power following a popular overthrow of
the interim leader Gen. Robert GUEI who had claimed a dubious
victory in presidential elections; Gen. GUEI himself had assumed
power on 25 December 1999, following a military coup against the
government of former President Henri Konan BEDIE

head of government: Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and
Development Affi N'GUESSAN (since 27 October 2000) appointed by the
president

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 26 October 2000 (next is scheduled to be held NA
2005); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote
- Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other
2.2%

Croatia:
chief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18
February 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Ivica RACAN (since 27 January
2000); Deputy Prime Ministers Goran GRANIC (since 27 January 2000),
Zeljka ANTUNOVIC (since 27 January 2000), Slavko LINIC (since 27
January 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and
approved by the House of Representatives

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 7 February 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime
minister nominated by the president in line with the balance of
power in the Assembly

election results: Stjepan MESIC elected president; percent of vote
- Stjepan MESIC (HNS) 56%, Drazen BUDISA (HSLS) 44%

note: government coalition - SDP, HSLS, HSS, LP, HNS, IDS

Cuba:
chief of state: President of the Council of State and
President of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime
minister from February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was
abolished; president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of
the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of
Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President of the Council of State and President
of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from
February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;
president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the
Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of
Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the
Council of State, appointed by the National Assembly; note - there
is also a Council of State whose members are elected by the National
Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly; election last held 24 February 1998 (next election
unscheduled)

election results: Fidel CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of
legislative vote - 100%; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president;
percent of legislative vote - 100%

Cyprus:
chief of state: President Glafcos CLERIDES (since 28
February 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant;
under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish
Cypriot

head of government: President Glafcos CLERIDES (since 28 February
1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the
1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president
and vice president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 15 February 1998 (next to be held NA February
2003)

election results: Glafcos CLERIDES reelected president; percent of
vote - Glafcos CLERIDES 50.8%, George IAKOVOU 49.2%

note: Rauf R. DENKTASH has been "president" of the Turkish Cypriot
area since 13 February 1975 ("president" elected by popular vote for
a five-year term); elections last held 15 April 2000 (next to be
held NA April 2005); results - Rauf R. DENKTASH reelected president
after the other contender withdrew; Dervis EROGLU has been "prime
minister" of the Turkish Cypriot area since 16 August 1996; there is
a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish Cypriot area

Czech Republic:
chief of state: President Vaclav HAVEL (since 2
February 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Milos ZEMAN (since 17 July
1998); Deputy Prime Ministers Vladimir SPIDLA (since 22 July 1998),
Pavel RYCHETSKY (since 22 July 1998), Jan KAVAN (since 8 December
1999)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation
of the prime minister

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
election last held 20 January 1998 (next to be held NA January
2003); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Vaclav HAVEL reelected president; Vaclav HAVEL
received 47 of 81 votes in the Senate and 99 out of 200 votes in the
Chamber of Deputies (second round of voting)

Denmark:
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January
1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch
(born 26 May 1968)

head of government: Prime Minister Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN (since 25
January 1993)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by
Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister
appointed by the monarch

Djibouti:
chief of state: President GUELLEH Ismail Omar (since 8
May 1999);

head of government: Prime Minister DILLEITA Mohamed Dilleita (since
4 March 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;
election last held 9 April 1999 (next to be held NA 2005); prime
minister appointed by the president

election results: GUELLEH Ismail Omar elected president; percent of
vote - GUELLEH Ismail Omar 74.4%, IDRIS Moussa Ahmed 25.6%

Dominica:
chief of state: President Vernon Lordon SHAW (since 6
October 1998)

head of government: Prime Minister Pierre CHARLES (since 1 October
2000); note - assumed post after death of Roosevelt DOUGLAS

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
prime minister

elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a
five-year term; election last held 6 October 1998 (next to be held
NA October 2003); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Vernon Lordon SHAW elected president; percent of
legislative vote - NA%

Dominican Republic:
chief of state: President Rafael Hipolito MEJIA
Dominguez (since 16 August 2000); Vice President Milagros
ORTIZ-BOSCH (since 16 August 2000); note - the president is both the
chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez
(since 16 August 2000); Vice President Milagros ORTIZ-BOSCH (since
16 August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year term; election last held 16 May 2000
(next to be held NA May 2004)

election results: Raphael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez elected
president; percent of vote - Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez (PRD)
49.87%, Danilo MEDINA (PLD) 24.95%, Joaquin BALAGUER (PRSC) 24.6%

Ecuador:
chief of state: President Gustavo NOBOA Bejarano (since 22
January 2000) selected president following coup that deposed
President MAHUAD; Vice President Pedro PINTO Rubianes (since 28
January 2000) elected by National Congress from a slate of
candidates submitted by President NABOA; note - the president is
both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Gustavo NOBOA Bejarano (since 22
January 2000) selected president following coup that deposed
President MAHUAD; Vice President Pedro PINTO Rubianes (since 28
January 2000) elected by National Congress from a slate of
candidates submitted by President NABOA; note - the president is
both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year term (no reelection); election last
held 31 May 1998; runoff election held 12 July 1998 (next to be held
NA 2002)

election results: results of the last election prior to the coup
were: Jamil MAHUAD elected president; percent of vote - 51%

note: a military-indigenous coup toppled democratically elected
President Jamil MAHAUD on 21 January 2000; the military quickly
handed power over to Vice President Gustavo NOBOA on 22 January;
National Congress then elected a new vice president from a slate of
candidates submitted by NOBOA; the new administration is scheduled
to complete the remainder of MAHAUD's term, due to expire in January
2003

Egypt:
chief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14
October 1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Atef OBEID (since 5 October 1999)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president nominated by the People's Assembly for a
six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national,
popular referendum; national referendum last held 26 September 1999
(next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by the
president

election results: national referendum validated President MUBARAK's
nomination by the People's Assembly to a fourth term

El Salvador:
chief of state: President Francisco FLORES Perez
(since 1 June 1999); Vice President Carlos QUINTANILLA Schmidt
(since 1 June 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government

head of government: President Francisco FLORES Perez (since 1 June
1999); Vice President Carlos QUINTANILLA Schmidt (since 1 June
1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

cabinet: cabinet selected by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 7 March 1999
(next to be held NA March 2004)

election results: Francisco FLORES Perez elected president; percent
of vote - Francisco FLORES (ARENA) 52%, Facundo GUARDADO (FMLN) 29%,
Ruben ZAMORA (CDU) 7.5%, other (no individual above 3%) 11.5%

Equatorial Guinea:
chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized
power in a military coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Candido Muatetema RIVAS (since
26 February 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Miguel OYONO NDONG
(since NA January 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Demetrio Elo NDONG
NZE FUMU (since NA January 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote to a seven-year term;
election last held 25 February 1996 (next to be held NA February
2003); prime minister and vice prime ministers appointed by the
president

election results: President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected
with 98% of popular vote in elections marred by widespread fraud

Eritrea:
chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June
1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly

head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly

cabinet: State Council is the collective executive authority

elections: president elected by the National Assembly; election
last held 8 June 1993 (next tentatively scheduled for December 2001)

election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%

Estonia:
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 5 October
1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since 29 March 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
approved by Parliament

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if
he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds
of balloting, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus
members of local governments) elects the president, choosing between
the two candidates with the largest percentage of votes; election
last held August-September 1996 (next to be held in the fall of
2001); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by
Parliament

election results: Lennart MERI reelected president by an electoral
assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between
MERI and RUUTEL; percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennart MERI
61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%

Ethiopia:
chief of state: President NEGASSO Gidada (since 22 August
1995)

head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since NA August
1995)

cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994
constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister and
approved by the House of People's Representatives

elections: president elected by the House of People's
Representatives for a six-year term; election last held NA June 1995
(next to be held NA May 2001); prime minister designated by the
party in power following legislative elections

election results: NEGASSO Gidada elected president; percent of vote
by the House of People's Representatives - NA%

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas):
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH
II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor Donald LAMONT (since NA May 1999);
Chief Executive A. M. GURR (since NA); Financial Secretary D. F.
HOWATT (since NA)

cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the
Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the
financial secretary), and the governor

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch

Faroe Islands:
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since
14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Ms. Vibeke
LARSEN, chief administrative officer (since NA)

head of government: Prime Minister Anfinn KALLSBERG (since 15 May
1998)

cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister

elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
party that wins the most seats is usually elected prime minister by
the Faroese Parliament; election last held 30 April 1998 (next to be
held no later than April 2002)

election results: Anfinn KALLSBERG elected prime minister; percent
of parliamentary vote - 52.8%

note: coalition of People's Party, Republican Party and Home Rule
Party

Fiji:
note: armed ethnic Fijian terrorists, led by George SPEIGHT
stormed the Parliament building on 19 May 2000; ethnic Indo-Fijian
Prime Minister Mahendra CHAUDHRY and his government were held
hostage for 56 days; following the attempted coup, the Commander of
the Fiji Military Forces, naval Commodore Frank BAINIMARAMA declared
martial law and dissolved the government on 29 May 2000; an interim
government, headed by interim Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE, was
appointed to serve until a new constitution was initiated and
subsequent elections held; in November 2000, Fiji's High Court
upheld the 1997 constitution and ruled that Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA
remained the president; Justice Anthony GATES concluded that MARA
should recall the pre-May 19th Parliament and appoint a prime
minister to form a new government; the Fiji Court of Appeals upheld
GATES' decision on 1 March 2001; it ruled that the 1997 constitution
had not been abrogated, Parliament had not been dissolved, only
prorogued for six months, and that the presidency remained vacant
since MARA's resignation took effect 15 December 2000; President
Ratu Josefa ILOILO reinstated QARASE's interim government as the
caretaker government and elections were scheduled for August 2001;
approximately 23 fluid political parties are currently jockeying for
power

chief of state: President Ratu Josefa ILOILO (since NA 2000); Vice
President Jope SENILOLI (since NA 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since NA 2000);
Deputy Prime Minister Epeli NAILATIKAU (since NA 2000)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament; note -there
is also a Presidential Council that advises the president on matters
of national importance and a Great Council of Chiefs which consists
of the highest ranking members of the traditional chiefly system

elections: president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a
five-year term; prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Ratu Josefa ILOILO elected president by the Great
Council of Chiefs; percent of vote - NA%

Finland:
chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March
2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Paavo LIPPONEN (since 13 April
1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sauli NIINISTO (since 13 April 1995)

cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the
president, responsible to Parliament

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;
election last held 6 February 2000 (next to be held NA February
2006); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed from the
majority party by the president after parliamentary elections

election results: Tarja HALONEN elected president; percent of vote
- Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 51.6%, Esco AHO (Kesk) 48.4%

note: government coalition - SDP, Kok, Leftist Alliance (People's
Democratic Union and Democratic Alternative), SFP, and Green Union

France:
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Lionel JOSPIN (since 3 June 1997)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
suggestion of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
election last held 23 April and 7 May 1995 (next to be held by May
2002); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly majority
and appointed by the president

election results: Jacques CHIRAC elected president; percent of
vote, second ballot - Jacques CHIRAC (RPR) 52.64%, Lionel JOSPIN
(PS) 47.36%

French Guiana:
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France
(since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Dominique VIAN (since NA
January 1997)

head of government: President of the General Council Andre LECANTE
(since NA March 1998); President of the Regional Council Antoine
KARAM (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a
seven-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; presidents of the General
and Regional Councils are appointed by the members of those councils

French Polynesia:
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of
France (since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner of the
Republic Paul RONCIERE (since NA 1994)

head of government: President of the Territorial Government of
French Polynesia Gaston FLOSSE (since 4 April 1991); President of
the Territorial Assembly Justin ARAPARI (since 13 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members
of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as
ministers

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a
seven-year term; high commissioner appointed by the French president
on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
Territorial Government and the president of the Territorial Assembly
are elected by the members of the assembly

Gabon:
chief of state: President El Hadj Omar BONGO (since 2
December 1967)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Francois NTOUTOUME-EMANE
(since 23 January 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
consultation with the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
election last held 6 December 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); prime
minister appointed by the president

election results: President El Hadj Omar BONGO reelected; percent
of vote - El Hadj Omar BONGO 66.6%, Pierre MAMBOUNDOU 16.5%, Fr.
Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE 13.4%

Gambia, The:
chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since
18 October 1996); Vice President Isatou Njie SAIDY (since 20 March
1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18
October 1996); Vice President Isatou Njie SAIDY (since 20 March
1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the president

elections: the president is elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; the number of terms is not restricted; election last held 26
September 1996 (next to be held NA October 2001)

election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH elected president; percent
of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 55.8%, Ousainou DARBOE 35.8%

Georgia:
chief of state: President Eduard Amvrosiyevich
SHEVARDNADZE (previously elected chairman of the Government Council
10 March 1992; Council has since been disbanded; previously elected
chairman of Parliament 11 October 1992; president since 26 November
1995); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

head of government: President Eduard Amvrosiyevich SHEVARDNADZE
(previously elected chairman of the Government Council 10 March
1992; Council has since been disbanded; previously elected chairman
of Parliament 11 October 1992; president since 26 November 1995);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 9 April 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: Eduard SHEVARDNADZE reelected president; percent
of vote - Eduard SHEVARDNADZE 80%

Germany:
chief of state: President Johannes RAU (since 1 July 1999)

head of government: Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (since 27 October
1998)

cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by
the president on the recommendation of the chancellor

elections: president elected for a five-year term by a Federal
Convention including all members of the Federal Assembly and an
equal number of delegates elected by the state parliaments; election
last held 23 May 1999 (next to be held 23 May 2004); chancellor
elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Assembly for a
four-year term; election last held 27 September 1998 (next to be
held in the fall of 2002)

election results: Johannes RAU elected president; percent of
Federal Convention vote - 57.6%; Gerhard SCHROEDER elected
chancellor; percent of Federal Assembly - 52.7%

Ghana:
chief of state: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7
January 2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January
2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

head of government: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January
2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject
to approval by Parliament

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 and 28
December 2000 (next to be held NA December 2004)

election results: John Agyekum KUFUOR elected president in runoff;
percent of vote - John KUFUOR 56.4%, John Atta MILLS 43.6%

Gibraltar:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor and Commander-in-Chief David DURIE
(since 5 April 2000); note - DURIE was appointed in February 2000
but took office in April 2000

head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 15 elected
members of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultation
with the chief minister; note - there is also a Gibraltar Council
that advises the governor

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch; chief minister appointed by the governor

Greece:
chief of state: President Konstandinos (Kostis)
STEPHANOPOULOS (since 10 March 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Konstandinos SIMITIS (since 19
January 1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation
of the prime minister

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
election last held 8 February 2000 (next to be held by NA March
2005); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Konstandinos STEPHANOPOULOS reelected president;
percent of Parliament vote - 90%

Greenland:
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14
January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Gunnar MARTENS
(since NA 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Jonathan MOTZFELDT (since 19
September 1997)

cabinet: Home Rule Government is elected by the Parliament
(Landstinget) on the basis of the strength of parties

elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
by the monarch; prime minister is elected by Parliament (usually the
leader of the majority party); election last held 16 February 1999
(next to be held NA February 2003)

election results: Jonathan MOTZFELDT reelected prime minister
following the 16 February 1999 elections; percent of parliamentary
vote - 57.3%

note: government coalition - Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA)

Grenada:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor General Daniel WILLIAMS (since 9
August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June
1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch; prime minister appointed by the governor
general from among the members of the House of Assembly

Guadeloupe:
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France
(since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean FEDINI (since NA
1996)

head of government: President of the General Council Marcellin
LUBETH (since NA March 1998); President of the Regional Council
Lucette MICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a
seven-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the
General and Regional Councils are elected by the members of those
councils

election results: NA

Guam:
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20
January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January
2001)

head of government: Governor Carl GUTIERREZ (since 8 November 1994)
and Lieutenant Governor Madeleine BORDALLO (since 8 November 1994)

cabinet: executive departments; heads appointed by the governor
with the consent of the Guam legislature

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same
ticket for a four-year term; governor and lieutenant governor
elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms;
election last held 3 November 1998 (next to be held NA November 2002)

election results: Carl GUTIERREZ reelected governor; percent of
vote - Carl GUTIERREZ (Democrat) 53.2%, Joseph ADA (Republican) 46.8%

Guatemala:
chief of state: President Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO
Cabrera (since 14 January 2000); Vice President Juan Francisco REYES
Lopez (since 14 January 2000); note - the president is both the
chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera
(since 14 January 2000); Vice President Juan Francisco REYES Lopez
(since 14 January 2000); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held 7 November 1999; runoff held 26 December 1999
(next to be held NA November 2003)

election results: Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera elected
president; percent of vote - Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera (FRG)
68%, Oscar BERGER Perdomo (PAN) 32%

Guernsey:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief Lt.
Gen. Sir John FOLEY (since NA 2000) and Bailiff De Vic G. CAREY
(since NA)

cabinet: Advisory and Finance Committee appointed by the Assembly
of the States

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor
appointed by the monarch; bailiff appointed by the monarch

Guinea:
chief of state: President Lansana CONTE (head of military
government since 5 April 1984, elected president 19 December 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Lamine SIDIME (since 8 March
1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected
president; election last held 14 December 1998 (next to be held NA
December 2003); the prime minister is appointed by the president

election results: Lansana CONTE reelected president; percent of
vote - Lansana CONTE (PUP) 56.1%, Mamadou Boye BA (UNR-PRP) 24.6%,
Alpha CONDE (RPG) 16.6%,

Guinea-Bissau:
chief of state: President Koumba YALLA (since 18
February 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Faustino IMBALI (since 20 March
2001)

cabinet: NA

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 28 November 1999 and 16 January 2000 (next to be
held NA 2004); prime minister appointed by the president after
consultation with party leaders in the legislature

election results: Koumba YALLA elected president; percent of vote,
second ballot - Koumba YALLA (PRS) 72%, Malan Bacai SANHA (PAIGC) 28%

Guyana:
chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August
1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President JAGAN

head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since NA December
1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,
responsible to the legislature

elections: president elected by the majority party in the National
Assembly following legislative elections, which must be held at
least every five years; elections last held 19 March 2001 (next to
be held NA); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of
legislative vote - NA%

Haiti:
chief of state: President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE (since 7
February 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Marie CHERESTAL (since 9
February 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 26 November 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime
minister appointed by the president, ratified by the Congress

election results: Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE elected president; percent
of vote - Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE 92%

Holy See (Vatican City):
chief of state: Pope JOHN PAUL II (since
16 October 1978)

head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo SODANO
(since 2 December 1990)

cabinet: Pontifical Commission appointed by the pope

elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;
election last held 16 October 1978 (next to be held after the death
of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope

election results: Karol WOJTYLA elected pope

Honduras:
chief of state: President Carlos Roberto FLORES Facusse
(since 27 January 1998); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government; First Vice President William HANDAL
(since NA); Second Vice President Gladys CABALLERO de Arevalo (since
NA); Third Vice President Hector Vidal CERRATO Hernandez (since NA)

head of government: President Carlos Roberto FLORES Facusse (since
27 January 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government; First Vice President William HANDAL (since
NA); Second Vice President Gladys CABALLERO de Arevalo (since NA);
Third Vice President Hector Vidal CERRATO Hernandez (since NA)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held 30 November 1997 (next to be held 25 November
2001)

election results: Carlos Roberto FLORES Facusse elected president;
percent of vote - Carlos Roberto FLORES Facusse (PL) 50%, Nora de
MELGAR (PN) 40%, other 10%

Hong Kong:
chief of state: President of China JIANG Zemin (since 27
March 1993)

head of government: Chief Executive TUNG Chee-hwa (since 1 July
1997)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of three ex-officio members and
10 appointed members; ex-officio members are: Chief Secretary Anson
CHAN (since 29 November 1993), Financial Secretary Donald TSANG
(since 7 March 1995), and Secretary of Justice Elsie LEUNG (since 1
July 1997)

elections: NA

Hungary:
chief of state: Ferenc MADL (since NA August 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 6 July 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly on
the recommendation of the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term; election last held 6 June 2000 (next to be held by
June 2005); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the
recommendation of the president

election results: Ferenc MADL elected president; percent of
legislative vote - NA% (but by a simple majority in the third round
of voting); Viktor ORBAN elected prime minister; percent of
legislative vote - NA%

note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of
legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the
third round

Iceland:
chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1
August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April
1991)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by
Parliament

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held 29 June 1996 (next to be held NA June 2004);
President GRIMSSON ran unopposed in June 2000 so there were no
elections; prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president;
President GRIMSSON ran unopposed

India:
chief of state: President Kicheril Raman NARAYANAN (since 25
July 1997); Vice President Krishnan KANT (since 21 August 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Atal Behari VAJPAYEE (since 19
March 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of
the states for a five-year term; election last held 14 July 1997
(next to be held NA July 2002); vice president elected by both
houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 16
August 1997 (next to be held NA August 2002); prime minister elected
by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative
elections; election last held NA October 1999 (next to be held NA
October 2004)

election results: Kicheril Raman NARAYANAN elected president;
percent of electoral college vote - NA%; Krishnan KANT elected vice
president; percent of Parliament vote - NA%; Atal Behari VAJPAYEE
elected prime minister; percent of vote - NA%

Indonesia:
chief of state: President Abdurrahman WAHID (since 20
October 1999) and Vice President MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri (since 21
October 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government

head of government: President Abdurrahman WAHID (since 20 October
1999) and Vice President MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri (since 21 October
1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected separately by the
700-member People's Consultative Assembly or MPR for five-year
terms; election last held 20 and 21 October 1999 (next to be held by
NA 2004)

election results: Abdurrahman WAHID elected president, receiving
373 votes to 313 votes for MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri; MEGAWATI
Sukarnoputri elected vice president, defeating Hamzah HAZ; vote
totals NA

note: the People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan
Rakyat or MPR) includes the House of Representatives (Dewan
Perwakilan Rakyat or DPR) plus 200 indirectly selected members; it
meets every five years to elect the president and vice president and
to approve the broad outlines of national policy

Iran:
chief of state: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989)

head of government: President (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani
(since 3 August 1997); First Vice President Dr. Mohammad Reza
AREF-YAZDI (since NA August 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with
legislative approval

elections: leader of the Islamic Revolution appointed for life by
the Assembly of Experts; president elected by popular vote for a
four-year term; election last held 8 June 2001 (next to be held NA
2005)

election results: (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani reelected
president; percent of vote - (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani 77%

Iraq:
chief of state: President SADDAM Husayn (since 16 July 1979);
Vice Presidents Taha Muhyi al-Din MARUF (since 21 April 1974) and
Taha Yasin RAMADAN (since 23 March 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister SADDAM Husayn (since 29 May
1994); Deputy Prime Ministers Tariq Mikhail AZIZ (since NA 1979),
Hikmat Mizban Ibrahim al-AZZAWI (since 30 July 1999), Ahmad Husayn
al-KHUDAYIR (since NA July 2001), and Abd al-Tawab Mullah al-HUWAYSH
(since NA July 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; note - there is also a Revolutionary
Command Council or RCC (Chairman SADDAM Husayn, Vice Chairman Izzat
IBRAHIM al-Duri) which controls the ruling Ba'th Party, and is the
most powerful political entity in the country

elections: president and vice presidents elected by a two-thirds
majority of the Revolutionary Command Council; election last held 17
October 1995 (next to be held NA 2002)

election results: SADDAM Husayn reelected president; percent of
vote - 99%; Taha Muhyi al-Din MARUF and Taha Yasin RAMADAN elected
vice presidents; percent of vote - NA%

Ireland:
chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November
1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Bertie AHERN (since 26 June 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous
nomination by the prime minister and approval of the House of
Representatives

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
election last held 31 October 1997 (next to be held NA November
2004); prime minister nominated by the House of Representatives and
appointed by the president

election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote
- Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

note: government coalition - Fianna Fail and the Progressive
Democrats

Israel:
chief of state: President Moshe KATSAV (since 31 July 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Ariel SHARON (since 2 March 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the
Knesset

elections: president elected by the Knesset for a five-year term;
election last held 31 July 2000 (next to be held NA July 2005);
prime minister elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held 6 February 2001 (next to be held NA 2005); note -
in March 1992, the Knesset approved legislation, effective in 1996,
which allowed for the direct election of the prime minister, but in
2001 the Knesset voted to restore the previous method under which
the legislators will choose the next prime minister after the next
legislative elections in 2003

election results: Moshe KATSAV elected president by the 120-member
Knesset with a total of 60 votes, other candidate, Shimon PERES,
received 57 votes (there were three abstentions); Ariel SHARON
elected prime minister; percent of vote - Ariel SHARON 62.5%, Ehud
BARAK 37.4%; note - after the next legislative elections scheduled
for 2003, the prime minister will be elected by the Knesset

Italy:
chief of state: President Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI (since 13 May
1999)

head of government: Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as the
president of the Council of Ministers) Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 10
June 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
approved by the president

elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
both houses of Parliament and 58 regional representatives for a
seven-year term; election last held 13 May 1999 (next to be held NA
May 2006); prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed
by parliament

election results: Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI elected president; percent
of electoral college vote - 70%

note: a 12-party government coalition; note - BERLUSCONI's
coalition includes Forza Italian, National Alliance, Christian
Democratic Center, Christian Northern League

Jamaica:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor General Sir Howard Felix COOKE (since
1 August 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Percival James PATTERSON (since
30 March 1992) and Deputy Prime Minister Seymour MULLINGS (since NA
1993)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime
minister; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the
governor general

Japan:
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)

head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 24
April 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the
prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister
must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of
a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes
prime minister

note: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI,
Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority
Liberal Democratic Party, and soon thereafter designated by the Diet
to become the next prime minister

Jersey:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Air
Chief Marshall Sir John CHESHIRE (since 24 January 2001) and Bailiff
Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since NA February 1995)

cabinet: committees appointed by the Assembly of the States

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor and
bailiff appointed by the monarch

Jordan:
chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);
Crown Prince HAMZAH (half brother of the monarch, born 29 March 1980)

head of government: Prime Minister Ali Abul RAGHEB (since 19 June
2000)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation
with the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister
appointed by the monarch

Kazakhstan:
chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV
(chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected
president 1 December 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Kazymzhomart TOKAYEV (since 2
October 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
election last held 10 January 1999, a year before it was previously
scheduled (next to be held NA 2006); note - President NAZARBAYEV's
previous term had been extended to 2000 by a nationwide referendum
held 30 April 1995; prime minister and first deputy prime minister
appointed by the president

election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;
percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 81.7%, Serikbolsyn
ABDILDIN 12.1%, Gani KASYMOV 4.7%, other 1.5%

note: President NAZARBAYEV expanded his presidential powers by
decree: only he can initiate constitutional amendments, appoint and
dismiss the government, dissolve Parliament, call referenda at his
discretion, and appoint administrative heads of regions and cities

Kenya:
chief of state: President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI (since
14 October 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government

head of government: President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI (since 14
October 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote from among the members
of the National Assembly for a five-year term; in addition to
receiving the largest number of votes in absolute terms, the
presidential candidate must also win 25% or more of the vote in at
least five of Kenya's seven provinces and one area to avoid a
runoff; election last held 29 December 1997 (next to be held by
early 2003); vice president appointed by the president

election results: President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI reelected;
percent of vote - Daniel T. arap MOI (KANU) 40.6%, Mwai KIBAKI (DP)
31.5%, Raila ODINGA (NDP) 11.1%, Michael WAMALWA (FORD-K) 8.4%,
Charity NGILU (SDP) 7.8%

Kiribati:
chief of state: President Teburoro TITO (since 1 October
1994); Vice President Tewareka TENTOA (since 12 October 1994); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Teburoro TITO (since 1 October 1994);
Vice President Tewareka TENTOA (since 12 October 1994); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the House of Assembly, includes the president, vice president,
attorney general, and up to eight other ministers

elections: the House of Assembly chooses the presidential
candidates from among their members and then those candidates
compete in a general election; president is elected by popular vote
for a four-year term; election last held 27 November 1998 (next to
be held by NA November 2002); vice president appointed by the
president

election results: Teburoro TITO reelected president; percent of
vote - Teburoro TITO 52.3%, Dr. Harry TONG 45.8%, Amberoti NIKORA
1.9%, Taberannang TIMEON 0%

Korea, North:
chief of state: KIM Chong-il (since NA July 1994);
note - in September 1998, KIM Chong-il was reelected Chairman of the
National Defense Commission, a position accorded the nation's
"highest administrative authority"; KIM Yong-nam was named President
of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium and given the
responsibility of representing the state and receiving diplomatic
credentials

head of government: Premier HONG Song-nam (since 5 September 1998)

cabinet: Cabinet (Naegak), members, except for the Minister of
People's Armed Forces, are appointed by the Supreme People's Assembly

elections: premier elected by the Supreme People's Assembly;
election last held NA September 1998 (next to be held NA)

election results: HONG Song-nam elected premier; percent of Supreme
People's Assembly vote - NA%

Korea, South:
chief of state: President KIM Dae-jung (since 25
February 1998)

head of government: Prime Minister YI Han-tong (since 23 May 2000)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime
minister's recommendation

elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year
term; election last held 18 December 1997 (next to be held by 18
December 2002); prime minister appointed by the president; deputy
prime ministers appointed by the president on the prime minister's
recommendation

election results: KIM Dae-jung elected president; percent of vote -
KIM Dae-jung (NCNP) 40.3% (with ULD partnership), YI Hoe-chang (GNP)
38.7%, YI In-che (NPP) 19.2%

Kuwait:
chief of state: Amir JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah
(since 31 December 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister and Crown Prince SAAD
al-Abdallah al-Salim Al Sabah (since 8 February 1978); First Deputy
Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 17 October
1992); Deputy Prime Ministers JABIR MUBARAK al-Hamud Al Sabah (since
NA) and MUHAMMAD KHALID al-Hamed Al Sabah (since NA)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and
approved by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and
deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch

Kyrgyzstan:
chief of state: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28
October 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV (since 22
December 2000)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister