18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

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 (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among its members for a four-year term; election last held on 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

Legislative branch:

unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 4