OCEANIA and POLYNESIA

Independent States

Independent States

AUSTRALIA - FIDJI (islands) - KIRIBATI - MARSHALL (islands) - MICRONESIA - NAURU - NEW ZEALAND - PALAU (Republic) - PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA - SAMOA - SOLOMON (islands) - TONGA - TUVALU (islands) - VANUATU

Dependencies and Associated States

AMERICAN SAMOA - COOK (islands) - GUAM - NEW CALEDONIA - NIUE - NORFOLK ISLAND - NORTHERN MARIANAS (islands) - PITCAIRN (islands) - POLYNESIA - TOKELAU - WALLIS and FUTUNA (islands)

 
Last Updated : August 04, 2001

AUSTRALIA

(Commonwealth of Australia)

Regime :

Democratic,

Federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereign.

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…]

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by Governor General Sir William Patrick Deane

Governor general appointed by the monarch.

Rev.Dr.Peter Hollingworth - Governor General

Born : on 10 April 1935 in Adelaide.

Education : In 1941, the family settled in East Malvern in Victoria where he attended the Lloyd Street and Murrumbeena State Schools, before going to Scotch College and then taking on a commercial cadetship with BHP. During his National Service in 1953, Peter was drafted to the Padre's Office as secretary and found his vocation to the priesthood. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Licentiate of Theology, having resided at Trinity College. After completing his studies, became Deacon-in-Charge and then Priest-in-Charge of St Mary's, North Melbourne as part of an innovative inner city team ministry. Four years later, he was appointed as Chaplain to the Brotherhood of St Laurence where he served for a total of 25 years in a range of different positions, ultimately as Executive Director. He was elected Canon of St Paul's Cathedral in 1980 and consecrated Bishop in the Inner City in 1985. He was elected Archbishop of Brisbane in 1989. On 22 May 2001, Peter received the Lambeth Degree of Doctor of Letters from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey for his work in the area of Christian Social Ethics and Social Welfare.Dr Peter Hollingworth was sworn in as Australia's 23rd Governor-General on 29 June 2001.

(Governor General since 29 Jun 2001)

Governor general appointed by the monarch.

John Winston Howard - Head of Government

Born : July 26, 1939

Education : Graduate in law at the University of Sydney]

Party : LP (Liberal Party of Australia)

(Prime Minister since 11 March 1996 / reelected in 1998)

Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general for a three-year term.

Legislative :

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FIDJI (islands)

(Republic of the Fiji Islands)

Regime :

Republic

 

Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda - Chief of State

Born : 1920

(President since July 18, 2000 - interim to 15 Mar 2001)

In non-emergency state, the President is elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term.

note : there is also a Presidential Council that advises the president on matters of national importance and a Great Council of Chiefs which consists of the highest ranking members of the traditional chiefry system.

awaiting

Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli - Vice President

(Vice-President since July 18, 2000)

Laisenia Qarase - Head of Government

Born : 1941

Party : The new government is formed by non-partisans. The hindu population is excluded from power.

(Prime Minister since March 16, 2001 -2nd time)

Also : Minister for National Reconciliation

Legislative :

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KIRIBATI

(Republic of Kiribati)

Regime :

Republic

Teburoro Tito - Chief State

Born : on August 25 1953

Education : St. Patrick School, Tabnorth ; St. Joseph's College, Abaiang ; KGU/EBS, Tarawa, University of South Pacific.

Party : MMP (Mwaneaaban te Mauri Party)

(President (Beretitenti) since 1st October 1994 / reelect in 1998)

Also : Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

The President is both Chief of State and of the Government.

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

awaiting

Beniamina Tiinga - Vice-President

Born :

Education :

Party : MMP (Mwaneaaban te Mauri Party)

(Vice-President (Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti) since December 2000)

Also : Minister of Finance

Vice president appointed by the president.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 MARSHALL (islands)

(Republic of the Marshall Islands)

Regime :

Constitutional government in free association with the US

The compact of free association entered into force on 21 October 1986

Kessai H. Note - Chief of State

(President since January 10, 2000)

The President is both Chief of State and of head of the Government.

President elected by Parliament from among its own members for a four-year term ; election last held 22 November 1999 (next to be held NA November 2003)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 MICRONESIA

(Federated States of Micronesia)

Regime :

Constitutional government in free association with the US

The Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986.

H.E. Mr.Leo Amy Falcam - Chief of State

Born : November 20, 1935, in Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia

Education : B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Hawaii. Graduate studies at Woodrow Wilson School of Public Administration and International Affairs at Princeton University, New Jersey.

(President since 11 May 1999)

The President is both Chief of State and head of the Government.

President and vice president elected by Congress from among the four senators-at-large for four-year terms ; election last held 2 March 1999 (next to be held NA 2003)

Hon.Redley A. Killion - Vice-President

Born : October 23, 1951, in Weno in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia.

Education : B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. M.A. degree in Economics, with special emphasis on Economic Development and Planning, from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. 

(Vice-President since 11 May 1999)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 NAURU

(Republic of Nauru)

Regime :

Republic

 

Rene Harris - Chief of State

Born : 1948

Education :

(President since 30 March 2001 - 2nd time)

(The President is both Chief of State and head of the Government)

President elected by Parliament for a three-year term ; election last held 30 March 2001

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

NEW ZEALAND

(New Zealand)

(Aotearoa)

Regime :

Parliamentary democracy

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright

Dame Silvia Cartwright - Governor General

Born : in 1943

Education/ Profession : Was educated in Dunedin, gaining her LLB from Otago University in 1967. Distinguished career as a lawyer and jurist, and as an advocate for women and women's rights. In 1989, she was appointed Chief District Court Judge, the first women to hold the position, and in 1993, she became the first woman to be appointed to the High Court. Since 1993, she has been a member of the United Nations committee monitoring compliance with the United Nations Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), contributing particularly to the drafting of one of theConvention's optional protocols, which defines a complaint mechanism. In 1995, chaired a Gender Equity Education Programme for all New Zealand judges with the then Chief Justice. Dame Silvia will be New Zealand's 18th Governor-General, and the second woman to hold the office in New Zealand.

(Governor General since 04 Avril 2001)

Governor general appointed by the monarch.

Hon.Helen Clark - Head of the Government

Born : in 1950, in Hamilton

Education : After five years of secondary schooling at Auckland's Epsom Girls' Grammar, where she was a boarder, Helen Clark entered the University of Auckland in 1968 to study politics. Later she lectured in political studies at the university.

Party : NZLP (New Zealand Labour Party)

Political career : Joined the Labour Party in 1971 and in 1975 stood for election to Parliament for the first time, in the safe National seat of Piako. In 1981 was elected as MP for Mt Albert. Nineteen years later, she has earned the unofficial title of 'Mother of the House' - the longest serving woman member among current MPs. Between 1984 and 1987 was chair of the foreign affairs and defence select committee. In 1987, following the re-election of Labour, Helen Clark was elected to the Cabinet. Over the next three years she held a number of ministerial portfolios - conservation, housing, labour and health. From August 1989 until October 1990 she was Deputy Prime Minister. Was elected Leader of the Labour Party in December 1993 and served as Leader of the Opposition until the general election in November 1999, when Labour was again elected to government. By serving as Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage as well as Prime Minister, Helen Clark intends to give the arts in New Zealand a degree of prominence and support they have not previously enjoyed at the top political level.

(Prime Minister since 10 December 1999)

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 for a three-year term.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 PALAU (Republic)

(Beluu er a Belau)

 Regime :

Constitutional government in free association with the US

The Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994.

Thomas Esang Remengesau, Jr - Chief of State

Born : 1956

Education : College education in the United States

(President since 1st January 2001)

The President is both Chief of State and of head of the Government.

President and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms ; election last held 7 November 2000 - (next to be held NA November 2004)

Sandra Pierantozzi - Vice President

(Vice President since 1st January 2001)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 PAPUA-

NEW-GUINEA

(Independent State of Papua New Guinea)

Regime :

Parliamentary democracy

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by Governor General Sir Silas Atopare

Governor general appointed by the National Executive Council.

SirSilas Atopare - Governor General

Born : in 1949

(Governor General since 20 November 1997)

Governor general appointed by the National Executive Council.

Hon. SirMekere Morauta - Head of the Government

Born : in 1946

Party : PDM (People's Democratic Movement)

(Prime Minister since 14 July 1999)

Prime minister appointed by the governor general for up to five years on the basis of majority support in National Parliament.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

SAMOA

(Independent State of Samoa)

Regime :   

Constitutional monarchy under native chief

Hon.Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II - Chief of State

(Co-chief of State since 1st January 1962 and only chief of State since 5 April 1963)

The President is both Chief of State and of head of the Government.

Upon the death of Chief Susuga MALIETOA Tanumafili II, a new chief of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a five-year term.

Hon.Tuolaiepa Sailele Malielegaoi - Head of the Government

Born : 14 April 1945

Education : Auckland University

Party : HRPP (Human Rights Protection Party)

(Prime Minister since 23 November 1998)

Also : Min. of Commerce, Trade, and Industry ; Min. of Finance ; Min. of Foreign Affairs and Min. of Treasury, Inland Revenue, and Customs. -

Prime minister appointed by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 SOLOMON (islands)

(Solomon Islands)

Regime :

Parliamentary democracy

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by Governor General Father John Ini Lapli

Governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of Parliament for up to five years.

FatherJohn Ini Lapli - Governor general

Education : Anglican Priest

(Governor general since 7 July 1999)

Governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of Parliament for up to five years.

Hon.Mannasseh Sogavare - Head of the Government

Born : 1954

Party : PAP (People's Action Party)

(Prime Minister since 30 June 2000)

The government is formed by PPP, SILP, People's Alliance, UP and non-partisans. The prime minister is member of the People's Progressive Party.

Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 TONGA (or Friendly Islands)

(Kingdom of Tonga/Friendly Islands)

Regime :   

Hereditary constitutional monarchy

KingTaufa'ahau Tupou IV - Chief of State

Born : on 4th July 1918, at the Royal Palace, Nuku'alofa

Education : He is the first Tongan King to receive a western university education, and he was the first Tongan to gain a university degree, a B.A. and L.L.B. from the University of Sydney]

(King since 4 September 1965)

The monarchy is hereditary.

PrinceLavaka Ata Ulukalala - Head of the Government

Born : 1959

(Prime Minister depuis 3 January 2000)

Also : Minister of Foreign Affairs, Forestry, Defense, Agriculture, Fisheries, Civil Aviation and Comunications

Prime minister appointed for life by the monarch.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 TUVALU (islands)

(Tuvalu / Ellice Islands)

Regime :   

Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy; began debating republic status in 1992.

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by Governor General Sir Tomasi Puapua

Governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Hon.SirTomasi Puapua - Governor General

{Born 1938}

(Governor General since June 1998)

Governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister.

awaiting

Faimalaga Luka - Head of the Government

(Prime Minister since 24 February 2001)

Prime minister elected by and from the members of Parliament ; election last held 8 April 1998 (next to be held NA 2002)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 VANUATU

(Vanuatu / New Hebrides)

Regime :   

Republic

awaiting

FatherJohn Bernard Bani - Chief of State

Born : 1940

Education : Anglican Priest

(President since 24 Mars 1999)

President elected by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and the presidents of the regional councils for a five-year term. Election for president last held 6 March 1998 (next to be held NA 2004)

awaiting

Edward Natapei - Head of the Government

Born :

Party : MPP (Melanesian Progressive Party)

(Prime Minister since 13 April 2001)

- Also Minister of Public Service. -

Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members ; election for prime minister last held 6 March 1998 (next to be held NA 2002)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

Dependencies and Associated States

AMERICAN SAMOA

(Territory of American Samoa)

(U.S Territory)

Regime :     

NA (not available)

George Walker Bush - Chief of State

Born : in New Haven, CT on July 06, 1946

Education : M.B.A. in business administration, Harvard (1975) ; B.A. in history, Yale (1968)

Party : Republican

Political experience : Republican nominee for U.S. Representative from Texas' 19th district (1978) ; Adviser and speechwriter for father's presidential campaign (1987-88) ; Governor of Texas (1995-present).

(President since 20 January 2001)

Richard B. Cheney -Vice-President

Born : in Casper, WY on January 30, 1941

Education : Attended Yale University, 1959. Received bachelor's and master's degree in political science from the University of Wyoming, 1965 and 1966 respectively. Did doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin, 1966-68

Party : Republican

Political Experience : Chief of Staff, 1975-1977 Past House Minority Whip Special Assistant to Donald Rumsfeld-White House Counsel. U.S. Representative, 1978-1989. Secretary of Defense, 1988-1992

(Vice-President since 20 January 2001)

Tauese Pita Sunia - Head of the Government

Born : August 29, 1941 in the village of Fagatogo}

Education : Attended York College in Nebraska and Ottawa College in Kansas before graduating from Kearney State Teachers College majoring in history and political science with certification in secondary education. Graduate school at the University of Hawaii graduating with a Masters degree in Education Administration.

(Governor since 3 January 1997 / reelected in 2000)

Governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms ; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held in November 2004)

Togiola T. A. Tulafono - Lieutenant-Governor

Born : February 28, 1947 on Aunu'u Island, American Samoa}

Education : Primary schools in Vatia, the Marist Brothers School in Atu'u, and graduated from the High School of American Samoa-Samoana in 1966. Honolulu Police Academy Graduate, 1967. B.A. from Chadron State College, 1970 ; Juris Doctor - Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas, 1975 ; National Judicial College, 1979.

(Lieutenant-Governor since 3 January 1997 / reelected in 2000)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

COOK (islands)

(Cook Islands)

(Self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Regime :     

Self-governing parliamentary democracy

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by Resident commissioner Fred Goodwin

The UK representative is appointed by the monarch.

awaiting

Fred Goodwin - Resident Commissioner

Born : 1938

(Resident commissioner since 05 February 2001)

The UK representative is appointed by the monarch.

awaiting

Rob Moore-Jones - High-Commissioner representing New Zealand

(High-Commissioner since January 1998)

The New Zealand high commissioner is appointed by New Zealand Government.

Dr.Terepai Moate - Head of the Government

Born : 1934

Party : DA (Democratic Alliance)

(Prime Minister since 18 November 1999)

Following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats usually becomes prime minister.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

GUAM

(Territory of Guam)

(U.S Territory)

Regime :     

NA (not available)

George Walker Bush - Chief of State

Born : in New Haven, CT on July 06, 1946

Education : M.B.A. in business administration, Harvard (1975) ; B.A. in history, Yale (1968)

Party : Republican

Political experience : Republican nominee for U.S. Representative from Texas' 19th district (1978) ; Adviser and speechwriter for father's presidential campaign (1987-88) ; Governor of Texas (1995-present).

(President since 20 January 2001)

Richard B. Cheney -Vice-President

Born : in Casper, WY on January 30, 1941

Education : Attended Yale University, 1959. Received bachelor's and master's degree in political science from the University of Wyoming, 1965 and 1966 respectively. Did doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin, 1966-68

Party : Republican

Political Experience : Chief of Staff, 1975-1977 Past House Minority Whip Special Assistant to Donald Rumsfeld-White House Counsel. U.S. Representative, 1978-1989. Secretary of Defense, 1988-1992

(Vice-President since 20 January 2001)

Hon.Carl T. C. Gutierrez - Head of the Government

Born : in Agana Heights on October 15, 1941

Education : Attended George Washington High School on Guam before entering MarVista High School and South San Francisco High School where he graduated.

Party : Dem (democrat)

(Governor since 1 January 1995 / reelect in 1998)

Governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms ; election last held 3 November 1998 - GUTIERREZ reelected governor (next to be held NA November 2002)

Madeleine Bordallo - Lieutenant-Governor

Born : Graceville, Minnesota

Education : Majoring in Voice, St. Katherine's College St. Paul, Minnesota, 1953 ; St. Mary's College ; South Bend, Indiana, 1952 ; High School Diploma George Washington High School Mangilao, Guam 1951.

Party : Dem (democrat)

(Lieutenant-Governor since 1 January 1995 / reelected in 1998)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

NEW CALEDONIA

(Territoire des Nouvelle-Calédonie et Dépendances)

(Territory of France)

Regime :    

NA (not available)

Jacques René Chirac - Chief of State

Born : on November 29, 1932 in Paris 5th, France

Education : Graduated from the "Institut d'Etudes Politiques" in Paris and the Summer School from Harvard University (USA)

Party : RPR (Rassemblement pour la République / Rally for the Republic)

(President since May 17, 1995)

Represented by the High-Commissioner of the Republic :

Mr. Alain Lataste Thierry

High commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior.

Mr.Alain Thierry Lataste - High-Commissioner

Born : on January 31, 1954 in Talence, Gironde, France

Education : Attended the "École normale supérieure" (Rue d'Ulm- Paris) ; Graduated from the "Institut d'Études Politiques" in Paris ; Graduated from the "École Nationale d'Administration " (promotion Henri-François d'Aguesseau).

(High-Commissioner since 1998)

High commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior.

Pierre Frogier - Head of the Government

Born : November 16,1950 in Nouméa (New-Caledonia).

Education/Profession : Real estate broker.

Party : RPR (Rally for the Republic)

Political career : Local mandates: Municipal Council of Mont-Dore (New-Caledonia) Mayor from 25/06/1995 to 18/03/2001.National Mandates : Territorial Assembly of Overseas Territorial Assembly of New Caledonia from 01/07/1995 to 05/07/1997. Overseas Territorial Assembly territoriale of the Southern Province Assemblyof New Caledonia since 01/05/1999. National Assembly elected on 21/03/1993, reelected on 01/06/1997.

(President of the Territorial Congress since 05 April 2001)

President of the Territorial Congress elected by the members of the congress.

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

NIUE

(Niue)

(Associated state of New-Zealand)

Regime :       

Self-governing parliamentary democracy

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926}

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Both the U.K and New Zealand are represented by High-Commissioner :

Mike Pointer

High commissioner appointed by the monarch.

awaiting

Mike Pointer - High-Commissioner

(High-Commissioner since 2 February 1997)

High commissioner appointed by the monarch.

Sani Lakatani - Head of the Government

Born : 1936

Party : NPP (Niue People's Party)

(Prime Minister since 26 March 1999)

Premier elected by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term ; election last held 19 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2002)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

NORFOLK ISLAND

(Territory of Norfolk Island)

(Territory of Australia)

Regime :   

NA (not available)

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

The UK and Australia are represented by Administrator

Anthony J. Messner

Administrator appointed by the general governor of Australia.

awaiting

Anthony John Messner - Administrator

Born : 1939

(Administrator since 4 August 1997)

Administrator appointed by the general governor of Australia.

awaiting

Ronald Coane Nobbs - Head of the Government

Born : 1938

(Assembly President and Chief Minister since 2000)

Chief minister elected by the Legislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years ; election last held 23 of February 2000 (next to be held in 2003)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

NORTHERN MARIANAS (islands)

(Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)

(Commonwealth in political union with the E. U.)

Regime :     

Commonwealth - self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

George Walker Bush - Chief of State

Born : in New Haven, CT on July 06, 1946

Education : M.B.A. in business administration, Harvard (1975) ; B.A. in history, Yale (1968)

Party : Republican

Political experience : Republican nominee for U.S. Representative from Texas' 19th district (1978) ; Adviser and speechwriter for father's presidential campaign (1987-88) ; Governor of Texas (1995-present).

(President since 20 January 2001)

Richard B. Cheney -Vice-President

Born : in Casper, WY on January 30, 1941

Education : Attended Yale University, 1959. Received bachelor's and master's degree in political science from the University of Wyoming, 1965 and 1966 respectively. Did doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin, 1966-68

Party : Republican

Political Experience : Chief of Staff, 1975-1977 Past House Minority Whip Special Assistant to Donald Rumsfeld-White House Counsel. U.S. Representative, 1978-1989. Secretary of Defense, 1988-1992

(Vice-President since 20 January 2001)

Pedro Pangelinan Tenorio - Head of the Government

Born : 1934

Party : Rep (Republican Party)

(Governor since 12 January 1998 - 2nd time)

Governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms ; election last held in NA November 1997 (next to be held NA November 2001)

Jesus Rosario Sablan - Lieutenant-Governor

(Lieutenant-Governor since 12 January 1998)

Lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms ; election last held in NA November 1997 (next to be held NA November 2001)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

 

 PITCAIRN (islands)

(Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands)

(U.K Territory)

Regime :   

NA (not available)

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…]

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

Represented by the High-Commissioner for New Zealand and governor (non residing) of Pitcairn islands :

Martin Williams

High commissioner and commissioner appointed by the monarch.

awaiting

Martin Williams - High-Commissioner

Born : 1941

(High-Commissioner since April 1998)

High commissioner and commissioner appointed by the monarch.

awaiting

Jay Warren - Head of the Government

(Magistrate of the island and President since 1996)

Island magistrate elected by popular vote for a three-year term ; last known election held 24 December 1999 - Jay WARREN reelected island magistrate (next to be held NA December 2002)

Legislative :

SEE PARLIAMENT

POLYNESIA

(Territoire de la Polynésie Française)

(French Territory)

Regime :     

NA (not available)

Jacques René Chirac - Chief of State

Born : on November 29, 1932 in Paris 5th

Education : Graduated from the "Institut d'Etudes Politiques" in Paris and the Summer School from Harvard University (USA).

(President since May 17, 1995)

Represented by High commissioner Jean Aribaud

High commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior.

Jean Aribaud - High commissioner

Born : November 30, 1943 in Carcassonne, Aude

Education : Diplômes : I.E.P. Paris - E.N.A.

(High commissioner since November 1997)

High commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior.

Gaston Flosse - Head of the Government

Born : 24 juin 1931 à Rikitea, Gambier, Polynésie Française

Education/Profession : Docteur Honoris Causa de l'Université de Yung Hee, Corée. Before entering politics, Gaston Flosse was a primary school teacher for 13 years at "l'ecole des frères" (the Brothers' School).

Political career : Entered politics in April 1958, joined the party of Rudy Bambridge, founder of the UTD-UNR, the local branch of the French Gaullist party.. Served as President of the Pirae District Council from 1963-1965. Appointed French Polynesia Government Councilor, in charge of agriculture, on Jan. 5, 1965. He held this post until 1967. Elected councilor in the French Polynesia Territorial Assembly for the first time on Sept. 10, 1967. Regularly re-elected after that--in 1972 under the banner of "Union tahitienne Tetahoera'a Maohi Ut-UDR"; then in 1977, 1982, 1986, 1991 and 1996 with the "Tahoera'a Huiraatira" political party. Elected French Polynesia Territorial Assembly President on Oct. 5, 1972. Was twice re-elected to this post-on May 29 1973 (serving until June 5, 1974) and on June 10, 1976 (serving until June 7, 1977). Elected deputy in the French National Assembly on March 12, 1978. He was re-elected during French legislative elections on June 21, 1981; March 16 1986 ; and March 13, 1993. Elected deputy to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on June 17, 1984. Became French Polynesia's first internal autonomy Territorial Government President on Sept. 14, 1984 as provided in the statute of Sept. 6, 1984. Re-elected on March 16, 1986. Resigned as Government President in February 1987. Re-elected Government President on April 4, 1991 and again on May 28, 1996.

(President of the Territorial Assembly since 4 Avril 1991 - 2nd time)

President of the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the assembly.

Legislative :

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TOKELAU

Tokelau

(Territory of New Zealand)

Regime :     

NA (not available)

Queen ELIZABETH II - Chief of State

(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)

Born : in London on April 21, 1926

Education : Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. After her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive, she started to study constitutional history and law. She also studied art and music etc…

(Queen since 6 February 1952)

The UK and New Zealand are Represented by Administrator Brian Absolum

Administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand.

awaiting

Brian Absolum - Administrator

(Administrator since 1994)

Administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand.

awaiting

Kolouei O'Brien - Head of the Government

(Head of the Government since 2000)

The head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a one-year term.  

Legislative :

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WALLIS and FUTUNA

(islands)

(Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna)

(French Territory)

Regime :     

NA (not available)

Jacques René Chirac - Chief of State

Born : on November 29, 1932 in Paris 5th

Education : Graduated from the "Institut d'Etudes Politiques" in Paris and the Summer School from Harvard University (USA)

(President since May 17, 1995)

Represented by High administrator Christian Dors

High administrator appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior.

Christian Dors - High administrator

Born : le 30 avril 1954, à Montpellier, Hérault

Education : E.N.A.(National School of Administration) ( from the Student group "Solidarity")

(High administrator since 24 November 1998)

High administrator appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior.

Victor Brial - Head of the Government

Born : on April 9, 1966 in Sigave (Wallis-and-Futuna)

(President of the Territorial Assembly since 1st June 1997)

The presidents of the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the assembly.

Legislative :

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Europe
Middle-East
Far East
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North America
Central America
South America
Caribbean
Asia
Southeastern Asia
Indian Sub-Continent
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