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Government
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Parliament Composition (March 2008 elections - total 69 seats)
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Nationalist Party (PN) |
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35 |
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Political System
Republic. The present Constitution was adopted in 1964 and was substantially amended on 13 December 1974 to introduce a Republican Constitution.
Head of State
President Dr. Edward FENECH ADAMI (since 4 April 2004). Dr. FENECH ADAMi was former Prime Minister between 1987 and 1996 and once again between 1998 and 2004. He signed Malta's accession Treaty on 16th April 2003. On 7th February 2004, upon reaching his 70th birthday, Dr. Fenech Adami tendered his resignation as Prime Minister. The President is appointed by a resolution of the House of Representatives, for a term of five years. The role of the President is largely ceremonial, however, he has the right to appoint a Member of the House of Representatives as Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. If the House of Representatives passes a no confidence resolution in the Government, the President has the right to remove the Prime Minister from office.
Prime Minister
Lawrence GONZI (since April 2004). Lawrence GONZI took up the PN leadership in February 2003 and became Prime Minister in March 2004. Members of the Cabinet are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and they have a collective responsibility for the Parliament.
Legislature
Uni-cameral. The 65 Members of the House of Representatives (Il-Kamra Tad-Deputati) are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation, using the single transferable vote method, for a five-year term.
Government Elections
The last elections took place on 8th March 2008. The largest number of votes was obtained by the Nationalist Party (PN), which forms the present Government. The next general election is foreseen for 2012.
Women in Parliament
The PN is always on the forefront to ensure women's participation in politics. There are at present three women in the cabinet.
The Maltese Parliament
Cabinet of Ministers
Government
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Political System
