Chapter M: Major infectious diseases (108)

Korea, North
chief 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, a
position accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPA
reelected KIM Yong Nam in 2003 president of its Presidium also with
responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic
credentials
head of government: Premier KIM Yong Il (since 11 April 2007); Vice
Premier KWAK Pom Gi (since 5 September 1998), Vice Premier O Su Yong
(since 13 April 2009), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September
2009), Vice Premier PAK Myong Su (since 4 September 2009), Vice
Premier RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)
cabinet: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People's
Armed Forces, are appointed by SPA
elections: last held in September 2003; date of next election NA
election results: KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nominees
for positions and ran unopposed

Korea, South
chief of state: President LEE Myung-bak (since 25
February 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister CHUNG Un-chan (since 30 September
2009)
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 19 December 2007 (next to be held in
December 2012); prime minister appointed by president with consent
of National Assembly
election results: LEE Myung-bak elected president on 19 December
2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young
(UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1; others 10.1%

Kosovo
chief of state: President Fatmir SEJDIU (since 10 February
2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Hashim THACI (since 9 January
2008)
cabinet: ministers; elected by the Kosovo Assembly
elections: the president is elected for a five-year term by the
Kosovo Assembly; election last held 9 January 2008 (next to be held
by in 2013); the prime minister is elected by the Kosovo Assembly
election results: Fatmir SEJDIU reelected president after three
rounds; Hashim THACI elected prime minister by the Assembly

Kuwait
chief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since
29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah
head of government: Prime Minister NASIR AL-MUHAMMAD al-Ahmad
al-Sabah (since 3 April 2007); First Deputy Prime Minister JABIR
AL-MUBAREK al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy Prime
Minister MUHAMMAD AL-SABAH al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and
approved by the amir
elections: none; the amir is hereditary; the amir appoints the prime
minister and deputy prime ministers

Kyrgyzstan
chief of state: President Kurmanbek BAKIEV (since 14
August 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Daniyar USENOV (since 21 October
2009); First Deputy Prime Minister Akylbek JAPAROV (since 22 October
2009)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,
appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and
security, appointed solely by the president
elections: Kurmanbek BAKIEV reelected by popular vote for a
five-year term; election last held 23 July 2009 (next scheduled for
2014); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party holding
more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the president
selects the party that will nominate a prime minister
election results: Kurmanbek BAKIEV elected president; percent of
vote - Kurmanbek BAKIEV 76.1%, Almaz ATAMBAYEV 8.4%, Temir SARIYEV
6.7%, other candidates 8.8%

Laos
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8
June 2006); Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister BOUASONE Bouphavanh (since 8 June
2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since May
2002), Maj. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit (since 8 June 2006), SOMSAVAT
Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998), and THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 27
March 2001)
cabinet: Ministers appointed by president, approved by National
Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected by National Assembly
for five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006 (next to be held
in 2011); prime minister nominated by president and elected by
National Assembly for five-year term
election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG
Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote -
100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of
National Assembly vote - 97%

Latvia
chief of state: President Valdis ZATLERS (since 8 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Valdis DOMBROVSKIS (since 12
March 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
appointed by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 31 May 2007 (next
to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the president,
confirmed by Parliament
election results: Valdis ZATLERS elected president; parliamentary
vote - Valdis ZATLERS 58, Aivars ENDZINS 39

Lebanon
chief of state: President Michel SULAYMAN (since 25 May 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Sa'ad AL-HARIRI (since 9 November
2009);Deputy Prime Minister Elias MURR (since 9 November 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president and members of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year
term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 25 May
2008 (next to be held in 2014); the prime minister and deputy prime
minister appointed by the president in consultation with the
National Assembly
election results: Michel SULAYMAN elected president; National
Assembly vote - 118 for, 6 abstentions, 3 invalidated

Lesotho
chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996);
note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November
1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile
head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May
1998)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: according to the constitution, the leader of the majority
party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister; the
monarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution that
came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a
"living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative
powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to
depose the monarch, determine who is next in the line of succession,
or who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not
of mature age

Liberia
chief of state: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16
January 2006); note - the President is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF (since 16
January 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the
Senate
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 November 2005
(next to be held in October 2011)
election results: Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF elected president; percent
of vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF 59.6%, George WEAH
40.4%

Libya
chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar
al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title,
but is de facto chief of state
head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee
(Prime Minister) al-Baghdadi Ali al-MAHMUDI (since 5 March 2006)
cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General
People's Congress
elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of
people's committees; head of government elected by the General
People's Congress; election last held March 2006 (next to be held
March 2009)
election results: NA

Liechtenstein
chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November
1989, assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince
ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15 August
2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling prince
to ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of state
head of government: Head of Government Klaus TSCHUTSCHER (since 25
March 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch
elections: the monarch is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag is
usually appointed the head of government by the monarch and the
leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag is usually
appointed the deputy head of government by the monarch if there is a
coalition government

Lithuania
chief of state: President Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE (since 12
July 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrius KUBILIUS (since 27
November 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
nomination of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 17 May 2009 (next
to be held in May 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
on the approval of the Parliament
election results: Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE elected president; percent of
vote - Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE 69.1%, Algirdas BUTKEVICIUS 11.8%,
Valentinas MAZURONIS 6.2%, others 12.9%; Andrius KUBILIUS'
government approved by Parliament 83-40 with 5 abstentions

Luxembourg
chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000);
Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November
1981)
head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 20
January 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July
2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and
appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarch is hereditary; following popular elections to
the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister
by the monarch; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the
monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies
note: government coalition - CSV and LSAP

Macau
chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March
2003)
head of government: Chief Executive Edmund HO Hau-wah (since 20
December 1999)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of 1 government secretary, 3
legislators, 4 businessmen, 1 pro-Beijing unionist, and 1
pro-Beijing educator
elections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member Election Committee
for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last
held 26 July 2009 (next to be held on in July 2014)
election results: Edmund HO Hau-wah reelected with 296 votes in 2004
election; Fernando CHUI Sai-on elected in 2009 with 282 votes, takes
office on 20 December 2009

Macedonia
chief of state: President Gjorge IVANOV (since 12 May 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 26 August
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all
the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the
government coalition parties VMRO/DPMNE, BDI/DUI, and several small
parties
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); two-round election: first round held
22 March 2009, second round held 5 April 2009 (next to be held in
March 2014); prime minister elected by the Assembly following
legislative elections
election results: Gjorge IVANOV elected president on second-round
ballot; percent of vote - Gjorge IVANOV 63.14%, Ljubomir FRCKOSKI
36.86%

Madagascar
chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 18 March
2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Monja Roindefo ZAFITSIMIVALO
(since 18 March 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 3 December 2006
(next to be held in October 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA 54.8%, Jean
LAHINIRIKO 11.7%, Roland RATSIRAKA 10.1%, Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO 9.1%,
Norbert RATSIRAHONANA 4.2%, Ny Hasina ANDRIAMANJATO 4.2%, Elia
RAVELOMANANTSOA 2.6%, Pety RAKOTONIAINA 1.7%, other 1.6%; note -
RAVALOMANANA stepped down on 17 March 2009
note:: on 17 March 2009, democratically elected President Marc
RAVALOMANANA stepped down handing the government over to the
military, which in turn conferred the presidency on opposition
leader and Antananarivo mayor Andry RAJOELINA, who will head the
High Transition Authority; a power-sharing agreement reached in
August 2009 established a 15-month transition period, concluding in
general elections

Malawi
chief of state: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May
2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May 2004)
cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 19 May 2009 (next
to be held in May 2014)
election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent of
vote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA 66%, John TEMBO 30.7%, other 3.3%

Malaysia
chief of state: King - Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin (since 13
December 2006); (the position of the king is primarily ceremonial)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak
(since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MUHYIDDIN bin Mohamed
Yassin (since 9 April 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament with consent of the king
elections: kings are elected by and from the hereditary rulers of
nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held on 3
November 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated
from among the members of the House of Representatives; following
legislative elections, the leader who commands the support of the
majority of members in the House becomes prime minister (since
independence this has been the leader of the UMNO party)
election results: Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin elected king; in
practice, selection is based on principle of rotation among rulers
of states

Maldives
chief of state: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11
November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since
11 November 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government
head of government: President Mohamed "Anni" NASHEED (since 11
November 2008); Vice President Mohamed WAHEED Hassan Maniku (since
11 November 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: under the new constitution, the president is elected by
direct vote; president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
second term); election last held 8 and 28 October 2008 (next to be
held in 2013)
election results: Mohamed NASHEED elected president; percent of vote
- NASHEED 54.25%, Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 45.75%

Mali
chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June
2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Modibo SIDIBE (since 28 September
2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 April 2007
(next to be held in April 2012); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE reelected president; percent
of vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 71.2%, Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA 19.2%,
other 9.6%

Malta
chief of state: President George ABELA (since 4 April 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
prime minister
elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
12 January 2009 (next to be held by April 2014); following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of
a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the
president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is
appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
election results: George ABELA elected president by the House of
Representatives

Marshall Islands
chief of state: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2
November 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November
2009)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of
the legislature
elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among
its members for a four-year term; election last held 7 January 2008
(next to be held in 2012)
election results: Litokwa TOMEING removed as president by no
confidence vote on 21 October 2009; legislature elects ZEDKAIA
president on 26 October 2009

Mauritania
chief of state: President Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ (since
5 August 2009) note - AZIZ, who deposed democratically elected
President Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDELLAHI in a coup and installed himself
as President of Military High Council of State on 6 August 2008, was
elected president in an election held 18 July 2009
head of government: Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF
(since 14 August 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: following the August 2008 coup, the Military High Council
of State pledged to hold a new presidential election which was
subsequently scheduled and held on 18 July 2009; under Mauritania's
constitution, the president is elected by popular vote for a
five-year term; election last held on 18 July 2009 (next to be held
by 2014)
election results: percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ 52.6%,
Messaoud Ould BOULKHEIR 16.3%, Ahmed Ould DADDAH 13.7%, Other 17.4%

Mauritius
chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7
October 2003); Vice President Abdool Raouf BUNDHUN (since 25
February 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM (since 5
July 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); election
last held 19 September 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime
minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president,
responsible to the National Assembly
election results: Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH reelected president by
unanimous vote; percent of vote by the National Assembly - NA%

Mayotte
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May
2007); represented by Prefect Hubert DERACHE (since 22 July 2009)
head of government: President of the General Council Ahmed Attoumani
DOUCHINA (since March 2008)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council
elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term;
next election to be held in 2010

Mexico
chief of state: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
(since 1 December 2006); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
(since 1 December 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of
attorney general requires consent of the Senate
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single six-year
term; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)
election results: Felipe CALDERON elected president; percent of vote
- Felipe CALDERON 35.89%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR 35.31%,
Roberto MADRAZO 22.26%, other 6.54%

Micronesia, Federated States of
chief of state: President Emanuel
MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May
2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice
President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8
executive departments
elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from
among the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible for
a second term); election last held 11 May 2007 (next to be held May
2011); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to establish
popular elections for president and vice president failed
election results: Emanuel MORI elected president; percent of
Congress vote - NA; Alik L. ALIK elected vice president; percent of
Congress vote - NA

Moldova
chief of state: Acting President Mihai GHIMPU (since 11
September 2009)
note: Vladimir VORONIN, president since 4 April 2001, resigned on 11
September 2009; Mihai GHIMPU, the Parliamentary Speaker, replaced
him until new elections can be held
head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir FILAT (since 25
September 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Iurie LEANCA (since 25
September 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by president, subject to approval of
Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 4 April 2005 (next
to have been held 5 April 2009); note - prime minister designated by
the president upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from
designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of
confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work program and
entire cabinet; prime minister designated 17 September 2009; cabinet
received a vote of confidence 25 September 2009
election results: Vladimir VORONIN reelected president;
parliamentary votes - Vladimir VORONIN 75, Gheorghe DUCA 1; Vladimir
FILAT designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of confidence -
53 of 101

Monaco
chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
head of government: Minister of State Jean-Paul PROUST (since 1 June
2005)
cabinet: Council of Government is under the authority of the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed
by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates
presented by the French Government

Mongolia
chief of state: President Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ (since 18 June
2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Sukhbaatar BATBOLD (since 29
October 2009); First Deputy Prime Minister (Norov ALTANKHUYAG (since
20 September 2008); Vice Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since 6
December 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultation
with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural
(parliament)
elections: presidential candidates nominated by political parties
represented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a
four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 24
May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013); following legislative
elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition is usually
elected prime minister by State Great Hural
election results: in elections in May 2009, Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ
elected president; percent of vote - Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ 51.24%,
Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR 47.44%, others 1.32%

Montenegro
chief of state: President Filip VUJANOVIC (since 6 April
2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Milo DJUKANOVIC (since 29
February 2008)
cabinet: Ministries act as cabinet
elections: president elected by direct vote for five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 6 April 2008 (next
to be held in 2013); prime minister proposed by president, accepted
by Assembly
election results: Filip VUJANOVIC reelected president; Filip
VUJANOVIC 51.89%, Andrija MANDIC 19.55%, Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC 16.64%,
Srdan MILIC 11.92%

Montserrat
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor Peter A. WATERWORTH (since 27 July
2007)
head of government: Chief Minister Rueben MEADE (since 10 September
2009)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief
minister, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance
secretary
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party usually becomes chief minister

Morocco
chief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Abbas EL FASSI (since 19
September 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
the monarch following legislative elections

Mozambique
chief of state: President Armando GUEBUZA (since 2
February 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Luisa DIOGO (since 17 February
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 28 October 2009
(next to be held in 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Armando GUEBUZA relected president; percent of
vote - Armando GUEBUZA 76.3%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 14.9%, Daviz SIMANGO
8.8%

Namibia
chief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21
March 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21 March 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 15 November 2004
(next to be held in November 2009)
election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA elected president; percent of
vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Den ULENGA 7.3%, Katuutire KAURA
5.1%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 4.2%, Justus GAROEB 3.8%, other 3.2%

Nauru
chief of state: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December
2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Marcus STEPHEN (since 19 December
2007); note - President Ludwig SCOTTY defeated in a no confidence
vote in parliament on 19 December 2007
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of parliament
elections: president elected by parliament for a three-year term;
election last held 19 December 2007 (next to be held in 2010)
election results: NA

Nepal
chief of state: President Ram Baran YADAV (as of 23 July
2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (as of 23 July 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar NEPAL (as of 25 May
2009); Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar GACHHEDAR
cabinet: cabinet formed in August 2008 by a majority coalition made
up of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), Communist Party of
Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist, Madhesi People's Rights Forum, and
several smaller parties
elections: president elected by Parliament; term extends until the
new constitution is promulgated; election last held 21 July 2008;
date of next election NA
election results: Ram Baran YADAV elected president by the
Constituent Assembly in a second round of voting on 21 July 2008;
Ram Baran YADAV 308, Ram Jaja Prasad SINGH 282

Netherlands
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);
Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the
monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Jan Peter BALKENENDE (since 22
July 2002); Deputy Prime Ministers Wouter BOS (since 22 February
2007) and Andre ROUVOET (since 22 February 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber
elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority
coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy
prime ministers appointed by the monarch
note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir
apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabinet
on legislative and administrative policy

Netherlands Antilles
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the
Netherlands (since 30 April 1980); represented by Governor General
Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1 July 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Emily de JONGH-ELHAGE (since 26
March 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (legislature)
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,
the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister
by the Staten; election last held 27 January 2006 (next to be held
by 2010)
note: government coalition - PAR, PNP, DP-St. M, UPB, WIPM Saba,
DP-St. E

New Caledonia
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
May 2007); represented by High Commissioner Yves DASSONVILLE (since
9 November 2007)
head of government: President of the Government Philippe GOMES
(since 5 June 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet consisting of 11 members elected from and by the
Territorial Congress
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress for a
five-year term (no term limits); note - last election held 7 August
2007 when Harold MARTIN was elected following the resignation of
Marie-Noelle THEMEREAU as president on 24 July 2007 (next to be held
in 2012)

New Zealand
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor General Anand SATYANAND (since 23
August 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November
2008); Deputy Prime Minister Bill ENGLISH (since 19 November 2008)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually
appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime
minister appointed by the governor general

Nicaragua
chief of state: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10
January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January
2007); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10
January 2007); Vice President Jaime MORALES Carazo (since 10 January
2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term so
long as it is not consecutive); election last held 5 November 2006
(next to be held by November 2011)
election results: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra elected president - 38.07%,
Eduardo MONTEALEGRE 29%, Jose RIZO 26.21%, Edmundo JARQUIN 6.44%

Niger
chief of state: President Mamadou TANDJA (since 22 December
1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Ali Badjo GAMATIE (since 2
October 2009); appointed by the president and shares some executive
responsibilities with the president
cabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); second round of election last held 4
December 2004 (next to be held December 2009)
election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent of
vote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%

Nigeria
chief of state: President Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA (since 29 May
2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA (since 29 May 2007)
cabinet: Federal Executive Council
elections: president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 21 April 2007 (next
to be held in April 2011)
election results: Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA elected president; percent of
vote - Umaru Musa YAR'ADUA 69.8%, Muhammadu BUHARI 18.7%, Atiku
ABUBAKAR 7.5%, Orji Uzor KALU 1.7%, other 2.3%

Niue
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
(since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by
New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)
head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers
elections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by the
Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 18
June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in
Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Norfolk Island
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Acting Administrator Owen WALSH (since October
2007)
cabinet: Executive Council is made up of 4 of the 9 members of the
Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts
as an advisor to the administrator
elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the
governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia

Northern Mariana Islands
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA
(since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20
January 2009)
head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January
2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)
cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal
departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the
governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members
include Special Assistants to the governor and office heads
appointed by and reporting directly to the governor
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice
president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican
party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant
governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year
terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 7 November
2009 (run-off election to be held on 23 November 2009)
election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL 36%, Heinz
HOFSCHNEIDER 36%, Juan GUERRERO 20%, Ramon Deleon GUERRERO 8%; a
run-off election between FITIAL and HOFSCHNEIDER will held on 23
November 2009

Norway
chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir
Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20
July 1973)
head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17
October 2005)
cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of
parliament
elections: the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentary
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the
monarch with the approval of the parliament

Oman
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
1972)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarch is hereditary

Pakistan
chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9
September 2008)
note: following President Pervez MUSHARRAF's resignation on 18
August 2008, elections were held on 6 September in which Asif Ali
ZARDARI won a clear majority; ZARDARI'S inauguration as president of
Pakistan on 9 September solidified the country's return to civilian
government after more than eight years of military rule
head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25
March 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the
prime minister
elections: the president is elected by secret ballot through an
Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate, National
Assembly, and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term;
election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not later
than 2013); note - any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45
years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of the
National Assembly can contest the presidential election; the prime
minister is selected by the National Assembly; election last held on
24 March 2008
election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; ZARDARI 481
votes, SIDDIQUE 153 votes, SYED 44 votes; Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI
elected prime minister; GILANI 264 votes, Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes;
several abstentions

Palau
chief of state: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January
2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009); note -
the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January
2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009)
cabinet: NA
elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Johnson TORIBIONG (51%) defeats Elias Camsek CHIN
(49%) for president; Kerai MARIUR elected vice president

Panama
chief of state: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since
1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1
July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for five-year terms (not eligible for immediate
reelection; president and vice president must sit out two additional
terms (10 years) before becoming eligible for reelection); election
last held 3 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal elected president;
percent of vote - Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal 60%, Balbina HERRERA
38%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany 2%
note: government coalition - PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party),
PP (Popular Party)

Papua New Guinea
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by governor general Sir Paulius MATANE
(since 29 June 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2
August 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Puka TEMU (since 29 August 2007)
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor
general on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is
nominated by parliament and appointed by the chief of state;
following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
leader of the majority coalition usually is appointed prime minister
by the governor general acting in accordance with a decision of the
parliament

Paraguay
chief of state: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez
(since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15
August 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15
August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 20
April 2008 (next to be held April 2013)
election results: Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez elected president;
percent of vote - Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez 40.8%, Blanca OVELAR
30.6%, Lino OVIEDO 21.9%, Pedro FADUL 2.4%, other 4.3%

Peru
chief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July
2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28
July 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government
head of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July
2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28
July 2006)
note: Prime Minister Javier VELASQUEZ Quesquen (since 12 July 2009)
does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the
president
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a nonconsecutive reelection); presidential and
congressional elections held 9 April 2006 with runoff election held
4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011
election results: Alan GARCIA Perez elected president in runoff
election; percent of vote - Alan GARCIA Perez 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA
Tasso 47.5%

Philippines
chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since
20 January 2001); Vice President (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO (since 10
May 2004); note - president is both chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20
January 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of
Commission of Appointments
elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets
by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 10
May 2004 (next to be held in May 2010)
election results: Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected president; percent
of vote - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 40%, Fernando POE 37%, three
others 23%

Pitcairn Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand
and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON
(since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (since
September 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and the
Island Council
head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006);
Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1
January 2008)
cabinet: NA
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner
appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a
three-year term; election last held December 2007 (next to be held
in December 2010)
election results: Mike WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the
Island Council

Poland
chief of state: President Lech KACZYNSKI (since 23 December
2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 16 November
2007); Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 16 November 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and
the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and
the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 9 and 23 October
2005 (next to be held in the fall 2010); prime minister and deputy
prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm
election results: Lech KACZYNSKI elected president; percent of
popular vote - Lech KACZYNSKI 54%, Donald Tusk 46%

Portugal
chief of state: President Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 9
March 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de
Sousa (since 12 March 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative
body to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 22 January 2006
(next to be held in January 2011); following legislative elections,
the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the president
election results: Anibal CAVACO SILVA elected president; percent of
vote - Anibal CAVACO SILVA 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario Alberto
Nobre Lopes SOARES 14.3%, Jeronimo DE SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%

Puerto Rico
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20
January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the
legislature
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US
president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic
and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor
elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits);
election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of the
vote

Qatar
chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 27 June
1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin
Hamad al-Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad
bin Khalifa al-Thani, fourth son of the monarch (selected Heir
Apparent by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also
holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of
the Armed Forces
head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir
al-Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin
Hamad al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarch is hereditary
note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member
Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative
powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the
first election for the CMC was held in March 1999

Romania
chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December
2004); note - President Traian BASESCU was suspended by vote of
parliament on 19 April 2007, but resumed his duties on 23 May 2007
after a popular referendum confirmed that his impeachment should not
stand
head of government: Prime Minister Emil BOC (since 22 December 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 28 November 2004
with runoff between the top two candidates held 12 December 2004
(next to be held in November-December 2009); prime minister
appointed by the president with the consent of the Parliament
election results: percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 51.23%, Adrian
NASTASE 48.77%

Russia
chief of state: President Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV
(since 7 May 2008)
head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 8
May 2008); First Deputy Premiers Igor Ivanovich SHUVALOV and Viktor
Alekseyevich ZUBKOV (since 12 May 2008); Deputy Premiers Sergey
Borisovich IVANOV (since 12 May 2008), Dmitriy Nikolayevich KOZAK
(since 14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 24
September 2007), Igor Ivanovich SECHIN (since 12 May 2008), Sergey
Semenovich SOBYANIN (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr Dmitriyevich
ZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004), and Dmitry Nikolayevich KOZAK (since 14
October 2008)
cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed of
the premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected other
individuals; all are appointed by the president
note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides
staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential
decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a
Security Council also reports directly to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 2 March 2008 (next
to be held in March 2012); note - no vice president; if the
president dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill
health, is impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as acting
president until a new presidential election is held, which must be
within three months; premier appointed by the president with the
approval of the Duma
election results: Dmitriy MEDVEDEV elected president; percent of
vote - Dmitry MEDVEDEV 70.2%, Gennady ZYUGANOV 17.7%, Vladimir
ZHIRINOVSKY 9.4%, Andrey BOGDANOV 1.3%

Rwanda
chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March
2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); elections last held 25 August 2003
(next to be held in September 2010)
election results: Paul KAGAME elected president in first direct
popular vote; Paul KAGAME 95.05%, Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU 3.62%,
Jean-Nepomuscene NAYINZIRA 1.33%

Saint Barthelemy
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March
2007)
head of government: President of the Territorial Council Bruno
MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)
cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory,
economic, social, and cultural council
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council is
elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
election results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by the
Territorial Council on 16 July 2007

Saint Helena
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952)
head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Andrew GURR
(since 11 November 2007)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio
officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by the
monarch

Saint Kitts and Nevis
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville
SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July
1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation
with the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is
usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Lucia
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since
September 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9
September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office 7 September
2007
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Martin
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May
2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)
head of government: President of the Territorial Council Frantz
GUMBS (since 5 May 2009)
cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory
economic, social, and cultural council
election: French president elected by popular vote to a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council is
elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term
election results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the Territorial
Council on 7 August 2008 but election was declared invalid on 10
April 2009

Saint Pierre and Miquelon
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY
(since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Pierre BERCOT
(since 28 July 2008)
head of government: President of the Territorial Council Stephane
ARTANO (since 21 February 2007)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; election last held 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012);
prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council is
elected by the members of the council

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
(since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir
Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29
March 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by
the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the
governor general on the advice of the prime minister

Samoa
chief of state: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since 20 June 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA
(since 1998); Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members appointed by the chief of
state on the prime minister's advice
elections: chief of state is elected by the Legislative Assembly to
serve a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 15 June
2007 (next to be held in 2012); following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by
the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly
election results: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi unanimously elected by
the Legislative Assembly

San Marino
chief of state: Co-chiefs of State Captain Regent
Francesco MUSSONI and Captain Regent Stefano PALMIERI (for the
period 1 October 2009-31 March 2010)
head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political
Affairs Antonella MULARONI (since 3 December 2008)
cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council
for a five-year term
elections: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great
and General Council for a six-month term; election last held in
September 2009 (next to be held in March 2010); secretary of state
for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General
Council for a five-year term; election last held 9 November 2008
(next to be held by 2013)
election results: Francesco MUSSONI and Stefano PALMIERI elected
captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Antonella
MULARONI elected secretary of state for foreign and political
affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA
note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)
selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent
(co-chiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside over
meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress
of State), which has 10 other members, all selected by the Grand and
General Council; assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of
state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some
prime ministerial roles

Sao Tome and Principe
chief of state: President Fradique Bandiera
Melo DE MENEZES (since 3 September 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Joachim Rafael BRANCO (since 22
June 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
proposal of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 30 July 2006 (next
to be held July 2011); prime minister chosen by the National
Assembly and approved by the president
election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president; percent of
vote - Fradique DE MENEZES 60%, Patrice TROVOADA 38.5%

Saudi Arabia
chief of state: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin
Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown
Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the
monarch); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz
Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin Abd
al-Aziz Al Saud; Second Deputy Prime Minister NAYIF bin Abd Al-Aziz
Al Saud
cabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch every four
years and includes many royal family members
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - a new Allegiance
Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a
committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future
Saudi kings, but the new system will not take effect until after
Crown Prince Sultan becomes king

Senegal
chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Soulayemane Ndene NDIAYE (since 1
May 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
consultation with the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last
held on 25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Abdoulaye WADE reelected president; percent of
vote - Abdoulaye WADE 55.9%, Idrissa SECK 14.9%, Ousmane Tanor DIENG
13.6%, Moustapha NIASSE 5.9%, other 9.7%