KYRGYZSTAN - Decision-making System.

The decision-making system in Kyrgyzstan consists of a head of state, Akayev, a head of government and a cabinet in order of importance. The president appoints the prime minister and the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister. The president is elected to a five-year term; elections were last held on Oct. 29 2000 and the next one is due in November or December 2005.

The country has a bicameral legislature called Supreme Council (Zhogorku Kenesh) consisting of the Assembly of People's Representatives (70 seats) and the Legislative Assembly (35 seats). Members of both bodies are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms. The Supreme Council on the recommendation of the president appoints Supreme Court judges for 10-year terms.