head of government: Prime Minister and Crown Prince SAAD al-Abdallah al-Salim Al Sabah (since 8 February 1978); First Deputy Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 17 October 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers JABIR MUBARAK al-Hamud Al Sabah (since NA) and MUHAMMAD KHALID al-Hamed Al Sabah (since NA)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and approved by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and
deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch
Kyrgyzstan:
chief of state: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28
October 1990)
head of government: Prime Minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV (since 22
December 2000)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year
term; elections last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held November
or December 2005); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Askar AKAYEV reelected president; percent of vote
- Askar AKAYEV 74%, Omurbek TEKEBAYEV 14%, other candidates 12%;
note - election marred by serious irregularities
Laos:
chief of state: President Gen. KHAMTAI Siphandon (since 26
February 1998) and Vice President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason
(since NA March 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister BOUNGNANG Volachit (since NA
March 2001); Deputy Prime Ministers THONGLOUN Sisolit (since NA
March 2001), SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998)