suggestion of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
election last held 23 April and 7 May 1995 (next to be held by May
2002); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly majority
and appointed by the president

election results: Jacques CHIRAC elected president; percent of
vote, second ballot - Jacques CHIRAC (RPR) 52.64%, Lionel JOSPIN
(PS) 47.36%

French Guiana:
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France
(since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Dominique VIAN (since NA
January 1997)

head of government: President of the General Council Andre LECANTE
(since NA March 1998); President of the Regional Council Antoine
KARAM (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a
seven-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; presidents of the General
and Regional Councils are appointed by the members of those councils

French Polynesia:
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of
France (since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner of the
Republic Paul RONCIERE (since NA 1994)

head of government: President of the Territorial Government of
French Polynesia Gaston FLOSSE (since 4 April 1991); President of
the Territorial Assembly Justin ARAPARI (since 13 May 1996)

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
seven-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
are elected by the members of the assembly

Gabon:
chief of state: President El Hadj Omar BONGO (since 2
December 1967)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Francois NTOUTOUME-EMANE
(since 23 January 1999)

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;
election last held 6 December 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); prime
minister appointed by the president

election results: President El Hadj Omar BONGO reelected; percent
of vote - El Hadj Omar BONGO 66.6