Chapter M: Major infectious diseases (111)

Costa Rica
chief of state: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since
8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May
2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May
2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May
2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010);
Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president
elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 7
February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)
election results: Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda elected president;
percent of vote - Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (PLN) 46.7%; Otton SOLIS
(PAC) 25.1%, Otto GUEVARA Guth (ML) 20.8%

Cote d'Ivoire
chief of state: President Alassane OUATTARA (since 4
December 2010); note - former President Laurent GBAGBO has refused
to cede power
head of government: Prime Minister Guillaume SORO (since 4 April
2007); note - on 4 December 2010, Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE was also
appointed to the position by former president GBAGBO
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note -
under the current power-sharing agreement the prime minister and the
president share the authority to appoint ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 31 October and 28 November
2010 (next to be held in 2015); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Alassane OUATTARA elected president; percent of
vote - Alassane OUATTARA 54.1%, Laurent GBAGBO 45.9%; note -
President OUATTARA was declared winner by the election commission
and took the oath of office on 4 December, Prime Minister SORO
resigned from the incumbent administration and was subsequently
appointed to the same position by OUATTARA; former president GBAGBO
refused to cede and on 5 December appointed Gilbert Marie N'GBO AKE
as Prime Minister

Croatia
chief of state: President Ivo JOSIPOVIC (since 18 February
2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Jadranka KOSOR (since 6 July
2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Bozidar PANKRETIC (since 6 July 2009),
Darko MILINOVIC (since 13 November 2009), Domagoj Ivan MILOSEVIC
(since 29 December 2010), Petar COBANKOVIC (since 29 December 2010),
Slobodan UZELAC (since 12 January 2008), Gordan JANDROKOVIC (since
29 December 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and
approved by the parliamentary assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 January 2010
(next to be held in December 2015); the leader of the majority party
or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime
minister by the president and then approved by the assembly
election results: Ivo JOSIPOVIC elected president; percent of vote
in the second round - Ivo JOSIPOVIC 60%, Milan BANDIC 40%

Cuba
chief of state: President of the Council of State and President
of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24
February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and
First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO
Ventura (since 24 February 2008); 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 Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24
February 2008); First Vice President of the Council of State and
First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon MACHADO
Ventura (since 24 February 2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the
Council of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the
31-member Council of State, elected by the assembly to act on its
behalf when it is not in session
elections: president and vice presidents elected by the National
Assembly for a five-year term; election last held on 24 February
2008 (next to be held in 2013)
election results: Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of
legislative vote - 100%; Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura elected vice
president; percent of legislative vote - 100%

Curacao
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30
April 1980); represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since
10 October 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Gerrit SCHOTTE (since 10 October
2010)
cabinet: Executive Council
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party is usually elected prime minister by the parliament

Cyprus
chief of state: President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28
February 2008); 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 Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28
February 2008)
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 on 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held in
February 2013)
election results: Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent of
vote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS
33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%; (second round) Demetris
CHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 46.6%
note: Dervis EROGLU became "president" of the "TRNC" on 23 April
2010 after "presidential" elections on 18 April 2010; results -
Dervis EROGLU 50.4%, Mehmet Ali TALAT 42.9%; Huseyin OZGURGUN is
"TRNC acting prime minister"

Czech Republic
chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March
2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 28 June 2010);
First Deputy Prime Minister Karel SCHWARZENBERG (since 13 July
2010), Deputy Prime Minister Radek JOHN (since 13 July 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); last successful election held on 15
February 2008 (after earlier elections held 8 and 9 February 2008
were inconclusive; next election to be held in 2013); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Vaclav KLAUS reelected president on 15 February
2008; Vaclav KLAUS 141 votes, Jan SVEJNAR 111 votes (third round;
combined votes of both chambers of parliament)

Denmark
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972);
Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born
on 26 May 1968)
head of government: Prime Minister Lars Loekke RASMUSSEN (since 5
April 2009)
cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Dhekelia
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Administrator Major General Jamie GORDON (since
October 2008); note - reports to the British Ministry of Defense
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the administrator
appointed by the monarch

Djibouti
chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May
1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4
March 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
president is eligible to hold office until age 75; election last
held on 8 April 2005 (next to be held by April 2011); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percent
of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%

Dominica
chief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (since
October 2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8
January 2004)
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 on 1 October 2003 (next to be
held in 2013); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL consented to a second term in
2008 at the request of the prime minister and leader of the
opposition

Dominican Republic
chief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna
(since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro
(since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16
August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16
August 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held on 16 May
2008 (next to be held in May 2012)
election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ reelected president; percent of
vote - Leonel FERNANDEZ 53.6%, Miguel VARGAS 41%, Amable ARISTY less
than 5%

Ecuador
chief of state: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15
January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January
2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Rafael CORREA Delgado (since 15
January 2007); Vice President Lenin MORENO Garces (since 15 January
2007)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: the president and vice president elected on the same
ticket by popular vote for a four-year term and can be re-elected
for another consecutive term; election last held on 26 April 2009
(next to be held in 2013)
election results: President Rafael CORREA Delgado reelected
president; percent of vote - Rafael CORREA Delgado 52%; Lucio
GUTIERREZ 28.2%; Alvaro NOBOA 11.4%; other 8.4%

Egypt
chief of state: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14
October 1981)
head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed NAZIF (since 9 July
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (no
term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a
constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a
multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated
by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a
national, popular referendum; last referendum held on 26 September
1999; first election under terms of the constitutional amendment
held on 7 September 2005 (next scheduled for 2011)
election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote
- Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%

El Salvador
chief of state: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena
(since 1 June 2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1
June 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government
head of government: President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena (since 1 June
2009); Vice President Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (since 1 June 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected 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 on
15 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)
election results: Mauricio FUNES Cartagena elected president;
percent of vote - Mauricio FUNES Cartagena 51.3%, Rodrigo AVILA 48.7%

Equatorial 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 Ignacio MILAM Tang (since 8 July
2008);
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be
held in 2016); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed
by the president
election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president;
percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 95.8%, Placido Mico
ABOGO 3.6%; 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)
cabinet: State Council the collective executive authority; members
appointed by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); the most recent and
only election held on 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as
the National Assembly did not hold a presidential election in
December 2001 as anticipated)
election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%, other 5%

Estonia
chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9
October 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet: Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by
Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure
two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the
Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus
members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between
the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last
held on 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011);
prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23
September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received
174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left
blank or invalid

Ethiopia
chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8
October 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since August 1995)
cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994
constitution; ministers 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 (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 9 October 2007 (next to be held in October
2013); prime minister designated by the party in power following
legislative elections
election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of
vote by the House of People's Representatives - 79%

European Union
chief of union: President of the European Commission
Jose Manuel BARROSO (since 2004)
cabinet: European Commission (composed of 27 members, one from each
member country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policy
areas)
elections: the president of the European Commission designated by
member governments and confirmed by the European Parliament; working
from member state recommendations, the Commission president then
assembles a "college" of Commission members; the European Parliament
confirms the entire Commission for a five-year term; the next
confirmation process will likely be held in January 2015
note: the European Council brings together heads of state and
government and the president of the European Commission and meets at
least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the
major political issues relating to European integration and to issue
general policy guidelines; leaders of the EU member states appointed
then Belgian Prime Minister Herman VAN ROMPUY to be the first
full-time president of the European Council in November 2009; he
took office on 1 December 2009 and will serve a
two-and-one-half-year term, renewable once; his core
responsibilities include chairing the four summits each year and
providing continuity beyond the rotating, six-month presidencies of
the Council of the EU

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
(since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Governor Nigel HAYWOOD (since 16 October 2010)
is the Queen's representative; Chief Executive Dr. Tim THOROGOOD
(since 3 January 2008)
cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative
Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial
secretary), and the governor; the governor must obey the rulings of
the Executive Council on domestic affairs
elections: the monarchy 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 Dan Michael
KNUDSEN, chief administrative officer (since 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 26
September 2008)
cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held
on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)
election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister in 2008;
governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN
becomes prime minister

Fiji
chief of state: President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July
2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10
September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime
minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President
ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA interim prime
minister under the military regime
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup
leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet
elections: under the constitution, president elected by the Great
Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in
electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief
Justice Anthony GATES

Finland
chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Mari KIVINIEMI (since 22 June
2010); Deputy Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 19 April 2007)
cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the
president, responsible to parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 January 2006
(next to be held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime
minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the
majority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliament
must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected on
17 April 2007
election results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, Sauli
NIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA
(VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held
29 January 2006 - HALONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%; Matti VANHANEN
reelected prime minister; election results 121-71
note: government coalition - Kesk, KOK, VIHR, and SFP

France
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May
2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the
suggestion of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held on 22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held in
the spring of 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Nicolas SARKOZY elected; first round: percent of
vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.2%, Segolene ROYAL 25.9%, Francois BAYROU
18.6%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.4%, others 13.9%; second round: SARKOZY
53.1%, ROYAL 46.9%

French Polynesia
chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16
May 2007), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Adolphe
COLRAT (since 7 July 2008); note - will be replaced in 2011 by
Richard DIDIER
head of government: President of French Polynesia Gaston Tong SANG
(since 24 November 2009); President of the Territorial Assembly
Oscar TEMARU (since 10 April 2010)
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 five-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
elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (no term
limits)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
chief of state: President
Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior
Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

Gabon
chief of state: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba (since 16
October 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Paul BIYOGHE MBA (since 15 July
2009)
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
(no term limits); election last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be
held in 2016); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba elected; percent
of vote - Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba 41.7%, Andre MBA OBAME 25.9%, Pierre
MAMBOUNDOU 25.2%, Zacharie MYBOTO 3.9%, other 3.3%
note: President BONGO died on 8 June 2009 after serving as president
for 32 years; in accordance with the constitution he was replaced on
an interim basis by the president of the Senate, Rose Francine
ROGOMBE on 10 June 2009; new elections where held on 30 August 2009
and the son of the former president, Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba, was
elected president

Gambia, The
chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since
18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the
junta; 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)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 22 September 2006 (next to
be held in 2011)
election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent
of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%, Halifa
SALLAH 6%

Georgia
chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25
January 2004); the president is the chief of state and serves as
head of government for the power ministries of internal affairs and
defense
head of government: Prime Minister Nikoloz GILAURI (since 6 February
2009); the prime minister is head of government for all the
ministries of government except the power ministries of internal
affairs and defense
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 January 2008
(next to be held in January 2013)
election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI reelected president; percent
of vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 53.5%, Levan GACHECHILADZE 25.7%,
Badri PATARKATSISHVILI 7.1%

Germany
chief of state: President Christian WULFF (since 30 June
2010)
head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by
the president on the recommendation of the chancellor
elections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
second term) by a Federal Assembly, including all members of the
Federal Diet and an equal number of delegates elected by the state
parliaments; election last held on 30 June 2010 (next to be held by
June 2015); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the
Federal Diet for a four-year term; Bundestag vote for Chancellor
last held after 27 September 2009 (next to follow the legislative
election to be held no later than 2013)
election results: Christian WULFF elected president; received 625
votes of the Federal Assembly against 494 for GAUCK and 121
abstentions; Angela MERKEL reelected chancellor; vote by Federal
Diet 323 to 285 with four abstentions

Ghana
chief of state: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7
January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January
2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January
2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009)
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 (eligible for a second term);
election last held on 7 and 28 December 2008 (next to be held on 7
December 2012)
election results: John Evans Atta MILLS elected president in run-off
election; percent of vote - John Evans Atta MILLS 50.23%, Nana Addo
Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO 49.77%

Gibraltar
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); represented by Governor Vice Admiral Sir Adrian JOHNS (since
26 October 2009)
head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected
members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the
chief minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed
chief minister by the governor

Greece
chief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March
2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Georgios Andreas PAPANDREOU
(since 6 October 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2010
(next to be held by February 2015); president appoints leader of the
party securing plurality of vote in election to become prime
minister and form a government
election results: Karolos PAPOULIAS reelected president; number of
parliamentary votes, 266 out of 300

Greenland
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14
January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soeren Hald MOELLER
(since April 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Kuupik KLEIST (since 12 June 2009)
cabinet: Home Rule Government elected by the Parliament (Landsting)
on the basis of the strength of parties
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
by the monarch; prime minister elected by parliament (usually the
leader of the majority party)
election results: Kuupik KLEIST elected prime minister

Grenada
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General Carlyle Arnold GLEAN (since 27
November 2008)
head of government: Prime Minister Tillman THOMAS (since 9 July 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed prime minister by the governor general

Guam
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January
2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011);
Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011)
cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governor
with the consent of the Guam legislature
elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president
and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and
Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant
governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year
term (can serve two consecutive terms, then must wait a full term
before running again); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next
to be held in November 2014)
election results: Eddie CALVO elected governor; percent of vote -
50.6%; Ray TENORIO elected lieutenant governor

Guatemala
chief of state: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since
14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14
January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14
January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January
2008)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 9 September
2007; runoff held on 4 November 2007 (next to be held in September
2011)
election results: Alvaro COLOM Caballeros elected president; percent
of vote - Alvaro COLOM Caballeros 52.8%, Otto PEREZ Molina 47.2%

Guernsey
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28
October 2005)
head of government: Chief Minister Lyndon TROTT (since 1 May 2008);
Bailiff Sir Geoffrey ROWLAND (since June 2005)
cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberation
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
by the monarch; chief minister elected by States of Deliberation
election results: Lyndon TROTT elected chief minister, percent of
vote of the States of Deliberation NA

Guinea
chief of state: President Alpha Conde (since 21 December 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Said FOFANA (since 24
December 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votes
cast to be elected president; election last held on 27 June 2010
with a runoff election held on 7 November 2010
election results: Alpha CONDE elected president in a runoff
election; percent of vote Alpha CONDE 52.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO
47.5%

Guinea-Bissau
chief of state: President Malam Bacai SANHA (since 8
September 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Carlos GOMES Junior (since 25
December 2008)
cabinet: NA
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2009 with a runoff
between the two leading candidates held on 26 July 2009 (next to be
held by 2014); prime minister appointed by the president after
consultation with party leaders in the legislature
election results: Malam Bacai SANHA elected president; percent of
vote, second ballot - Malam Bacai SANHA 63.5%, Kumba YALA 36.5%

Guyana
chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August
1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President
Janet JAGAN and was reelected in 2001, and again in 2006
head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992,
except for a period as chief of state after the death of President
Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,
responsible to the legislature
elections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a party
list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every
five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 August 2006
(next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of
vote 54.6%

Haiti
chief of state: President Rene PREVAL (since 14 May 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Max BELLERIVE (since 7
November 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 28 November
2010; runoff scheduled for 16 January 2011 (next to be held in
2015); prime minister appointed by the president, ratified by the
National Assembly
election results: 2010 results not final, initial results are under
OAS review; Mirlande MANIGAT 31.37%, Jude CELESTIN 22.48%, Michel
MARTELLY 21.84%, all others less than 10% each

Holy See (Vatican City)
chief of state: Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19
April 2005)
head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio BERTONE
(since 15 September 2006)
cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City
appointed by the pope
elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;
election last held on 19 April 2005 (next to be held after the death
of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope
election results: Joseph RATZINGER elected Pope BENEDICT XVI

Honduras
chief of state: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27
January 2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN
(since 27 January 2010); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January
2010); Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de BOGRAN (since 27
January 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November
2013)
election results: Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa elected president;
percent of vote - Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa 56.3%, Elvin SANTOS
Lozano 38.1%, other 5.6%

Hong Kong
chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15
March 2003)
head of government: Chief Executive Donald TSANG Yam-kuen (since 24
June 2005)
cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo consists of 15 official members
and 14 non-official members
elections: chief executive elected for five-year term by 800-member
electoral committee; election last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be
held in 2012)
note: the LegCo voted in June 2010 to expand the electoral committee
to 1,200 seats for the next election
election results: Donald TSANG elected chief executive receiving
84.1% of the vote of the election committee; Alan LEONG Kah-kit
received 15.9%

Hungary
chief of state: President Pal SCHMITT (since 6 August 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers prime minister elected by the National
Assembly on the recommendation of the president; other ministers
proposed by the prime minister and appointed and relieved of their
duties by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on
29 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); prime minister elected
by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president;
election last held 29 May 2010
election results: Pal SCHMITT elected president; National Assembly
vote - Pal SCHMITT 263, Andras BALOGH 58; Viktor ORBAN was elected
prime minister; National Assembly vote - 261 to 107
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 Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR (since 1
February 2009);
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: president, a largely ceremonial post, elected by popular
vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28
June 2004 (next to be held in June 2012); following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually the prime minister
note: the presidential election of 28 June 2008 was not held because
Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON had no challengers; he was sworn in on 1
August 2008
2004 election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president;
percent of vote - Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON
12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%;

India
chief of state: President Pratibha Devisingh PATIL (since 25
July 2007); Vice President Mohammad Hamid ANSARI (since 11 August
2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since 22 May 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation 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 (no term limits); election last held
in July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president elected
by both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last
held in August 2007 (next to be held August 2012); prime minister
chosen by parliamentary members of the majority party following
legislative elections; election last held April - May 2009 (next to
be held no later than May 2014)
election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote
- Pratibha PATIL 65.8%, Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%

Indonesia
chief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since
20 October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20
October 2004); Vice President BOEDIONO (since 20 October 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected for five-year terms
(eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry;
election last held on 8 July 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected president;
percent of vote - Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO 60.8%, MEGAWATI
Sukarnoputri 26.8%, Jusuf KALLA 12.4%

Iran
chief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4
June 1989)
head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August
2005); First Vice President Mohammad Reza RAHIMI (since 13 September
2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with
legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over
appointments to the more sensitive ministries
note: also considered part of the Executive branch of government are
three oversight bodies: 1) Assembly of Experts (Majles-Khebregan), a
popularly elected body charged with determining the succession of
the Supreme Leader, reviewing his performance, and deposing him if
deemed necessary; 2) Expediency Council or the Council for the
Discernment of Expediency (Majma-e-Tashkhis-e-Maslahat-e-Nezam)
exerts supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and
legislative branches and resolves legislative issues on which the
Majles and the Council of Guardians disagree and since 1989 has been
used to advise national religious leaders on matters of national
policy; in 2005 the Council's powers were expanded to act as a
supervisory body for the government; 3) Council of Guardians of the
Constitution or Council of Guardians or Guardians Council (Shora-ye
Negban-e Qanon-e Asassi) determines whether proposed legislation is
both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law, vets candidates in
popular elections for suitability, and supervises national elections
elections: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly of
Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term and third nonconsecutive term); election
last held on 12 June 2009;(next presidential election slated for
June 2013)
election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD reelected president; percent
of vote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62.6%, Mir-Hosein MUSAVI-Khamenei
33.8%, other 3.6%; voter turnout 85% (according to official figures
published by the government)

Iraq
chief of state: President Jalal TALABANI (since 6 April 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI (since 20 May 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers consists of ministers appointed by the
Presidency Council plus the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers
elections: president elected by Council of Representatives
(parliament) to serve a four-year term (eligible for a second term)
election results: President Jalal TALABANI reelected on 11 November
2010; parliamentary vote count on second ballot - 195 votes; Nuri
al-MALIKI reselected prime minister

Ireland
chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November
1997)
head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian COWEN (since 7
May 2008)
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
(eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 October 1997
(next scheduled for October 2011); note - Mary MCALEESE was
appointed to a second term when no other candidate qualified for the
2004 presidential election; prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by
the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann) and appointed by the
president
election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote -
Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

Isle of Man
chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul K.
HADDACKS (since 17 October 2005)
head of government: Chief Minister Tony BROWN (since 14 December
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
by the monarch; the chief minister elected by the Tynwald for a
five-year term; election last held on 14 December 2006 (next to be
held in December 2011)
election results: House of Keys speaker Tony BROWN elected chief
minister by the Tynwald

Israel
chief of state: President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31
March 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the
Knesset
elections: president largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the
Knesset for a seven-year term (one-term limit); election last held
13 June 2007 (next to be held in 2014 but can be called earlier);
following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with
party leaders, assigns the task of forming a governing coalition to
a Knesset member who he or she determines is most likely to
accomplish that task
election results: Shimon PERES elected president; number of votes in
first round - Shimon PERES 58, Reuven RIVLIN 37, Colette AVITAL 21;
PERES elected president in second round with 86 votes (unopposed)

Italy
chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May
2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 8 May
2008) note - in Italy the prime minister is referred to as the
president of the Council of Ministers
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and
nominated 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 (no term limits); election last held on 10 May 2006
(next to be held in May 2013); prime minister appointed by the
president and confirmed by parliament
election results: Giorgio NAPOLITANO elected president on the fourth
round of voting; electoral college vote - 543

Jamaica
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor General Dr. Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26
February 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Bruce GOLDING (since 11 September
2007)
cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the governor general on the advice
of the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition in the House of Representatives is
appointed prime minister by the governor general; the deputy prime
minister recommended by the prime minister

Japan
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 8 June 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
elections: Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires
that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following
legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of
majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime
minister; the monarchy is hereditary

Jersey
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14 June
2006)
head of government: Chief Minister Terry LE SUEUR (12 December
2008); Bailiff Michael BIRT (since 9 July 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet (since December 2005)
elections: ministers of the Cabinet including the chief minister are
elected by the Assembly of States; the monarchy is hereditary;
lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch

Jordan
chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);
Crown Prince HUSSEIN (born 28 June 1994), eldest son of King
ABDALLAH II
head of government: Prime Minister Samir al-RIFAI (since 9 December
2009); Deputy Prime Ministers Ayman al-SAFADI, Khalid al-KARAKI,
Sa'ad Hayel SROUR
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation
with the monarch
elections: the monarchy 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 Karim MASIMOV (since 10 January
2007); First Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak SHUKEYEV (since 3 March
2009), Deputy Prime Ministers Yerbol ORYNBAYEV (since 29 October
2007), Aset ISEKESHEV (since 12 March 2010)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held on 4 December 2005 (next to be held in 2012);
prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the
president, with Mazhilis approval; note - constitutional amendments
of May 2007 shortened the presidential term from seven years to five
years and established a two-consecutive-term limit; changes will
take effect after NAZARBAYEV's term ends; he, and only he, is
allowed to run for president indefinitely
election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;
percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A.
TUYAKBAY 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAYMENOV 1.6%

Kenya
chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December
2002); Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January
2008);
head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002);
Vice President Stephen Kalonzo MUSYOKA (since 10 January 2008); note
- the roles of the president and prime minister are not well defined
at this juncture; constitutionally, the president remains chief of
state and head of government, but the prime minister is charged with
coordinating government business
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and headed by the prime
minister, who is the leader of the largest party in parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second 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 on 27
December 2007 (next to be held in December 2012); vice president
appointed by the president
election results: President Mwai KIBAKI reelected; percent of vote -
Mwai KIBAKI 46%, Raila ODINGA 44%, Kalonzo MUSYOKA 9%

Kiribati
chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003);
Vice President Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice
President Teima ONORIO
cabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among the
members of the House of Parliament
elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential
candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete
in a general election; president elected by popular vote for a
four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held on
17 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011); vice president appointed
by the president
election results: Anote TONG 63.7%, Nabuti MWEMWENIKARAWA 32.9%

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 2009 president of its Presidium also with
responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic
credentials
head of government: Premier CHOE Yong Rim (since 7 June 2010); Vice
Premier HAN Kwang Bok (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JO Pyong Ju
(since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier JON Ha Chol (since 7 June 2010),
Vice Premier KANG Nung Su (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier KIM Rak
Hui (since 7 June 2010), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September
2009), Vice Premier RI Thae Nam (since 7 June 2010); 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 election 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 KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October
2010)
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 on 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: Acting President Jakup KRASNIQI (since 27
September 2010)
head of government: Prime Minister Hashim THACI (since 9 January
2008)
cabinet: ministers; elected by the Kosovo Assembly
elections: the president elected for a five-year term by the Kosovo
Assembly; election last held on 9 January 2008 (next to be held - a
special election in 2011); the prime minister elected by the Kosovo
Assembly
election results: Fatmir SEJDIU reelected president after three
rounds; note - resigned from the office of president on 27
Septermber 2010; 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
(since 7 February 2006)
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 Roza OTUNBAEVA (since 19 May
2010); note - OTUNBAEVA became acting president on 7 April 2010
following the early April 2010 riots that overthrew President
Kurmanbek BAKIEV; she was appointed president through 31 December
2011 by a 19 May 2010 decree of the provisional government, which
also prohibited her from running in the next presidential election;
she was officially sworn in on 3 July 2010
head of government: Prime Minister Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 17
December 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister - Omurbek BABANOV (since
17 December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers - Shamil ATAKHANOV,
Ibragim JUNUSOV, Jantoro SATYBALDIEV (since 17 December 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,
appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and
security, are appointed solely by the president
elections: Kurmanbek BAKIEV reelected by popular vote for a
five-year term; election last held on 23 July 2009 (next scheduled
for 2011); 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 form a coalition majority and
government
election results: Kurmanbek BAKIEV elected president; percent of
vote - Kurmanbek BAKIEV 76.1%, Almaz ATAMBAEV 8.4%, Temir SARIEV
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 THONGSING Thammavong (since 24
December 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since
May 2002), Lt. 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 on 8 June 2006 (next to be
held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and elected
by the 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: Cabinet 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 on 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 Najib MIQATI (since 25 January
2011)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president and members of the National Assembly; note - the
Cabinet resigned on 12 January 2010 following the resignation of
over a third of the ministers
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year
term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 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; 1 seat
unfilled due to death of incumbent

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
monarchy 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 on 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 in March 2010 (next elections
expected in early 2011)
election results: NA