Malta » Politics

Malta is a republic enjoying representative democracy, whose parliamentary system and public administration is closely modelled on the Westminster system. The unicameral House of Representatives, known in Maltese as il-Kamra tad-Deputati, is elected by direct universal suffrage through single transferable vote every five years, unless the House is dissolved earlier by the President on advice of the Prime Minister. The party who wins the majority forms the cabinet.

Dr Fenech Adami retired as Prime Minister in March 2004 and was replaced by Dr Lawrence Gonzi, who won the backing of the PN by a large majority. Dr Fenech Adami was elected President of Malta by Parliament and assumed office on 4 April 2004. He replaced Professor Guido de Marco for a 5-year term.