Government, Executive

The head of state is the president, a Maronite Christian, elected by parliament for a single six-year term. However, in 1995 parliament passed a once-applicable constitutional amendment extending the term of President Elias Hrawi for an additional 3 years. The head of government is the prime minister, a Sunni Muslim, who is appointed by the president in consultation with the Shia Muslim speaker of parliament. The prime minister selects cabinet members in consultation with parliament.